colour

[ kuhl-er ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. color.

colour

/ ˈkʌlə /

noun

1. 1. an attribute of things that results from the light they reflect, transmit, or emit in so far as this light causes a visual sensation that depends on its wavelengths
   2. the aspect of visual perception by which an observer recognizes this attribute
   3. the quality of the light producing this aspect of visual perception
   4. ( as modifier )

      colour vision

2. Also calledchromatic colour
   1. a colour, such as red or green, that possesses hue, as opposed to achromatic colours such as white or black
   2. ( as modifier ) Compare black-and-white

      a colour television

      a colour film

3. a substance, such as a dye, pigment, or paint, that imparts colour to something
4. 1. the skin complexion of a person, esp as determined by his race
   2. ( as modifier )

      colour problem

      colour prejudice

5. the use of all the hues in painting as distinct from composition, form, and light and shade
6. the quantity and quality of ink used in a printing process
7. the distinctive tone of a musical sound; timbre
8. vividness, authenticity, or individuality

   period colour

9. semblance or pretext (esp in the phrases take on a different colour, under colour of )
10. a precious mineral particle, esp gold, found in auriferous gravel
11. physics one of three characteristics of quarks, designated red, blue, or green, but having no relationship with the physical sensation

verb

1. to give or apply colour to (something)
2. tr to give a convincing or plausible appearance to (something, esp to that which is spoken or recounted)

   to colour an alibi

3. tr to influence or distort (something, esp a report or opinion)

   anger coloured her judgment

4. introften foll byup to become red in the face, esp when embarrassed or annoyed
5. intr (esp of ripening fruit) to change hue

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Other Words From

• trans·colour adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of colour¹

C13: from Old French colour from Latin color tint, hue

Example Sentences

“It’s not copper,” said Mr Adams, despite its distinctive colour.

From BBC

He described seeing a triangle-shaped aerial vehicle, which was "a grey, dark colour", in one of two evening sightings of drones he had made in the past week.

From BBC

One of the most remarkable changes to the cathedral is the return of colour to the choir and many of the side-chapels.

From BBC

A landlord said she was left facing a bill of thousands of pounds and with an office painted in light blue political colours after a tenancy dispute with Reform UK.

From BBC

Zhang, 32, potted 15 reds and 15 blacks and then all the colours in order with a packed crowd at the York Barbican giving him a standing ovation as he sunk the final ball.

From BBC