bleaching

American  

[blee-ching] / ˈbli tʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the application of bleach or another chemical agent to something in order to whiten, lighten, clean, or disinfect.

   Bleaching is not recommended for this fabric.

   She gives her kitchen countertops a weekly bleaching.

2. the process of becoming whiter or lighter in color, such as by prolonged exposure to sunlight, the application of chemicals, or other means.

   The bleaching of animal bones in the desert is a well-known phenomenon.

3. a loss of color in coral that indicates declining health: caused by a loss of the algae that normally live symbiotically in the coral's tissues.

4. Photography. the conversion of the silver image of a negative or print to a silver halide, either to remove the image or to change its tone.

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Etymology

Origin of bleaching

First recorded in 1550–60, bleaching for def. 1; 1970–75, bleaching for def. 3; bleach ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Daniel added that eventually, he was using the bleaching product all over his body on a daily basis.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Their results suggest that more than 50% of coral reefs globally suffered significant bleaching, and 15% experienced significant mortality.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

The findings, led by scientists at the Smithsonian, mark the first time the global extent of bleaching during such an event has been carefully calculated.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

The analysis concluded that 51 percent of the world's reefs endured moderate or worse bleaching while 15 percent experienced significant mortality over the three-year period known as the "Third Global Bleaching Event".

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

The rain and wind were overtaking her, rubbing away the details of her legs; the sun was bleaching her hooves into faint outlines, merging into the cliff.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko