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

Suddenly there's lots of colour and you can almost see what's going on in his mind.

From BBC

Pharrell, in his mind, can tell you the colour and the shape of every beat he's made.

From BBC

The Scottish poppy has the same recognisable blood red colour, but it has four-lobed petals and no leaf.

From BBC

“The Democratic Party was predicated on what really is an unholy alliance between working-class people of colour and wealthier white progressives driven and animated by cultural issues,” Madrid said.

From BBC

The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "Where I once saw the world in colour, I now only see it in black and white."

From BBC