color phase
Americannoun
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a genetically controlled variation in the colors of the skin, pelt, or plumage of an animal.
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one of two or more colorings assumed by an animal, varying with age or season.
Etymology
Origin of color phase
First recorded in 1925–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Blue geese are a color phase of the lesser snow.
From Ducks at a Distance A Waterfowl Identification Guide by Hines, Robert W.
All specimens examined are in the brown color phase.
From The Recent Mammals of Tamaulipas, Mexico by Alvarez, Ticul
Five are in the reddish color phase and one is in the brownish phase.
From Noteworthy Mammals from Sinaloa, Mexico by Jones, J. Knox
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
