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

Police said the plotters had nicknamed the operation "green and yellow dagger", in reference to the colours of the Brazilian flag.

From BBC

Doing this under conditions of changing light colour and intensity, they could follow exactly what the cell's chloroplast was doing.

From Science Daily

"This complex process involves several stages and the activity of various micro-organisms, which help develop the beans' flavour, aroma, and colour," he says.

From BBC

Like the Barbie press tour last year, the cast have been method dressing - wearing colours similar to their character in the film.

From BBC

"This Russian veto is a disgrace and it shows to the world yet again Russia’s true colours," Lammy told the meeting in New York.

From BBC