# pigment

/ˈpɪɡmənt/ (US) · /pˈɪɡmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pigment
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 2. paint powder

noun · CEFR B2

a dry powder that is mixed with oil or water to make paint.

For teachers: a dry colorant, typically an insoluble powder, which is mixed with a liquid vehicle to create paint or ink.

- The artist mixed the blue pigment with oil to create a deep ocean color.
- Historically, rare pigments like ultramarine were more expensive than gold because they had to be ground from semi-precious stones.

### 3. to color something

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to add color to something.

For teachers: to color or dye a substance or surface by adding pigment.

- The skin is naturally pigmented to protect it from the sun.
- The manufacturing process involves a stage where the plastic is heavily pigmented before being molded into the final product.

## Examples

- The artist mixes the blue pigment with oil to make paint.
- Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that allows them to absorb energy from sunlight.
- Restoration experts analyzed the chemical composition of the pigment to determine if the painting was an original or a later copy using synthetic dyes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.