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 called: chromatic 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 prejudice

      colour problem

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. 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 Word Forms

• transcolour adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of colour¹

C13: from Old French colour from Latin color tint, hue

Example Sentences

They tended to all cheer and sing when he came out to Blue Moon in the colours of City, too.

Read more on BBC

"Your colour has become your passport or your nationality".

Read more on BBC

Marketed as quick relief for sore throats and stubborn coughs, these sweet syrups mix sugar, colour and flavouring with a cocktail of antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants.

Read more on BBC

It is easy to tell the difference between the two species, as the seven-spot ladybird is red and has seven spots, while the harlequin can vary in colour and have a greater number of spots.

Read more on BBC

Many attendees stuck to a black and white theme, a classic colour combination that was favoured by Coco Chanel herself and also featured on Monday's runway.

Read more on BBC