noun
Uncommon
pigment
PIHG-muhnt
Pigment (noun) means a substance that gives colour to something, such as paint, skin, or plant cells. Example: “Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour.”
noun
1
A substance that gives colour to something, such as paint, skin, or plant cells.
"Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour."
"Artists once made pigments by grinding minerals into powder."
verb
1
To add colour to something.
"The dye pigments the fabric a deep indigo."
How to use pigment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA colouring substance found in paint, skin, or plants.
Common pairings
skin pigment
natural pigment
pigment cells
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pigment.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- pigments
- Third person singular
- pigments
- Past tense
- pigmented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Melanin is the _____ responsible for skin and hair colour.
Etymology
From Latin pigmentum, related to pingere ("to paint") — a doublet of "pimento" and "pimiento".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for pigment
See all rhymes for pigment →Frequently asked questions
What does “pigment” mean?
The word “pigment” means a substance that gives colour to something, such as paint, skin, or plant cells. In plain terms, a colouring substance found in paint, skin, or plants.
How do you pronounce “pigment”?
“Pigment” is pronounced PIHG-muhnt (/ˈpɪɡ.mənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pigment” in a sentence?
Here is “pigment” used in a sentence: “Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour.”
What part of speech is “pigment”?
Depending on how it is used, “pigment” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pigment” come from?
The word “pigment” comes from Latin. From Latin pigmentum, related to pingere ("to paint") — a doublet of "pimento" and "pimiento".
Is “pigment” a common word?
“Pigment” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pigment” have?
“Pigment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance that gives colour to something, such as paint, skin, or plant cells.
