discolor

[ dis-kuhl-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to change or spoil the color of; fade or stain.

verb (used without object)

1. to change color; become faded or stained.

Other Words From

• undis·colored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discolor¹

1350–1400; Middle English discolouren < Old French descolorer < Late Latin discolorārī to change color, derivative of Latin discolor of another color. See dis- ¹, color

Example Sentences

A chemist for the Alcoa Aluminum Company doing research on discolored teeth to determine whether it was caused by aluminum discovered that the cause was fluoride, not aluminum.

From Salon

“A lot of food we’ve been recommended since we’ve been here looks like this,” he said, showing pictures of several unappetizing, and what appeared to be soggy and discolored, foods.

From Salon

If you're undertaking a home whitening process, sparkling water might discolor your teeth.

From Salon

Most notably, in 2016, residents complained about discolored water pouring out of their faucets, with hues ranging from yellow to almost black.

From Los Angeles Times

Glasnow said his hand is discolored every time he throws off the mound, in a bullpen workout or a game, because he mixes rosin with a baseball that is rubbed in dirt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defile
• rust
• sully