English Reference

Word

pigmentation

Phoneticspig·men·ta·tion

US/ˌpɪɡmənˈteɪʃən/

UK/pˌɪɡməntˈeɪʃən/

Definition

n. the natural color of your skin, hair, or eyes. It is caused by a substance in your body called melanin.

n. the process by which skin, hair, or eyes acquire color through the presence of melanin. Refers to the biological mechanism and the resulting physical appearance.

Examples

“Sunlight can change the pigmentation of your skin.”

“The doctor explained that the change in her skin pigmentation was a normal reaction to the new medication.”

“Genetic factors determine the amount of melanin produced, which in turn dictates the individual's natural pigmentation and their susceptibility to UV radiation.”

Examples

simple

“Sunlight can change the pigmentation of your skin.”

contextual

“The doctor explained that the change in her skin pigmentation was a normal reaction to the new medication.”

complex

“Genetic factors determine the amount of melanin produced, which in turn dictates the individual's natural pigmentation and their susceptibility to UV radiation.”

Real-World Examples

“Phenolics are produced naturally by plants and include substances involved in pigmentation, defense, and protection from environmental stress.”
ScienceDaily · 26 Sept 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/pigmentation

English Reference