countershading

American  

[koun-ter-shey-ding] / ˈkaʊn tərˌʃeɪ dɪŋ /

noun

Zoology.

1. the development of dark colors on parts usually exposed to the sun and of light colors on parts usually shaded, especially as serving for protection or concealment.

---

countershading British  

/ ˌkaʊntəˈʃeɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. (in the coloration of certain animals) a pattern, serving as camouflage, in which dark colours occur on parts of the body exposed to the light and pale colours on parts in the shade

---

Etymology

Origin of countershading

First recorded in 1895–1900; counter- + shading

Example Sentences

They determined it boasted a chestnut-brown upper surface, with a pale or white underside, a pattern known as countershading.

From Reuters • Dec. 8, 2016

The dinosaur Psittacosaurus, illustrated, is the first dinosaur to show evidence of countershading, a type of camouflage in which animals have darker-colored backs and lighter bellies.

From National Geographic

A beautifully colored dinosaur fossil is the first to show evidence of countershading, a type of camouflage.

From National Geographic