bleaching

American  

[blee-ching] / ˈbli tʃɪŋ /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of bleaching

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

Example Sentences

The process follows a special ozone treatment for sterilisation, bleaching and deodorisation.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Daniel added that eventually, he was using the bleaching product all over his body on a daily basis.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

The coral expels the algae that supply its energy and turns white, a condition known as bleaching.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

Their results suggest that more than 50% of coral reefs globally suffered significant bleaching, and 15% experienced significant mortality.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

His hair was already bleaching out to a lighter blond that would become white and his eyes were lined at the comers from squinting.

From "The Voyage Of The Frog" by Gary Paulsen