colorant

[ kuhl-er-uhnt ]

noun

1. something used as a coloring matter; pigment; dye.

colorant

/ ˈkʌlərənt /

noun

1. any substance that imparts colour, such as a pigment, dye, or ink; colouring matter

Word History and Origins

Origin of colorant¹

1880–85; < French, present participle of colorer < Latin colōrāre to color. See color, -ant

Example Sentences

The ultra-thin colorant is around two microns thick, and although less reflective, it's visibly blue and reflects UV well, possibly paving the way for new colorant methods.

From Science Daily

"It shows that nature has evolved to use a really neat trick, an ultrathin layer for an important colorant," added Rox.

From Science Daily

In 2010, she and others received a patent in the United States for a “blue colorant derived from Genipa americana fruit.”

From Science Magazine

Ironically, although the goal was to create a natural colorant, it could be patented only because the polymer itself is not found in nature and requires human intervention to create—such as painting it on skin or mixing it with glycine.

From Science Magazine

Months before the patent for its blue colorant was granted, a company called Wild Flavors in Kentucky patented a blue dye made by mixing jagua juice with juice from watermelons or other fruits.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• glow
• hue
• intensity
• paint