bleaching

[ blee-ching ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleaching¹

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

Example Sentences

"This is one of the reasons why skin bleaching products have become incredibly widespread," Jablonski explains.

From The Daily Beast

“The Disney Look does not permit extremes in dyeing, bleaching or coloring,” the rules state.

From The Daily Beast

Without the bleaching of the sun his hair seemed dishwater blond, certainly not golden.

From The Daily Beast

The most popular bleaching cream in India is Fair and Lovely, and it still sells well in India, said Bandyopadhyhy.

From The Daily Beast

Did he really have vitiligo or was he just bleaching his skin?

From The Daily Beast

Several methods of bleaching buri straw obtain in various localities.

From Project Gutenberg

The process can also be followed with rice vinegar (see bleaching agents) substituted for the tuba vinegar.

From Project Gutenberg

The place was all enclosed, the wind a stranger, the turf smooth and solid; so it was chosen by Nance to be her bleaching-green.

From Project Gutenberg

It looked like Titania's bleaching-ground, and as if all the fairies had hung out their white frocks to dry.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence its great use in dyeing, and in bleaching liquids and the preparation of lakes.

From Project Gutenberg