Word
discoloration
Phoneticsdis·col·oration
US/dɪˌskəɫɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/dɪskˌʌləɹˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a change in the color of something, often making it look dirty or damaged. You might see this on old paper, skin, or wood that has been left in the sun.
n. a change in the natural color of a surface or substance, typically resulting in a dull, dark, or uneven appearance. Often used in medical, forensic, or industrial contexts to describe physical degradation.
Examples
“The old map shows brown discoloration from water damage.”
“The doctor noted a slight discoloration on the patient's arm, which suggested a minor bruise from the fall.”
“Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can cause significant discoloration in synthetic fabrics, leading to a faded and brittle appearance that compromises the garment's structural integrity.”
Examples
simple
“The old map shows brown discoloration from water damage.”
contextual
“The doctor noted a slight discoloration on the patient's arm, which suggested a minor bruise from the fall.”
complex
“Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can cause significant discoloration in synthetic fabrics, leading to a faded and brittle appearance that compromises the garment's structural integrity.”
Real-World Examples
“Nail discoloration was also considerably more common, and two-thirds (66%) of users reported at least one nail disorder.” “It causes a skin discoloration that appears pink on light skin but gray or violet on darker skin.” “The discoloration you see as a bruise on the surface of your skin is from blood that has pooled in or under your skin.” Etymology
From discolor + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/discoloration