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.

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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

"Our results show that the Third Global Coral Bleaching Event was by far the most severe and widespread coral bleaching event on record," Connolly said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

The analysis concluded that 51 percent of the world's reefs endured moderate or worse bleaching while 15 percent experienced significant mortality over the three-year period known as the "Third Global Bleaching Event".

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Bleaching occurs when overheated coral polyps expel the symbiotic algae living inside them; it leaves coral weakened and vulnerable to other stresses and can cause the polyps to starve to death.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 17, 2024

Bleaching happens when coral gets stressed and turns white because the water it lives in is too hot.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2024

Bleaching powder is very useful in the removal of stains from white fabrics.

From General Science by Clark, Bertha M.