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

She is, hesitantly, looking forward to bleaching her hair or rocking a “disgusting mullet” with her teammates if they advance far enough in the postseason to warrant the look.

From Washington Post

Even La Niña years, such as last year, are getting hot enough to cause mass bleaching.

From Salon

The Thai Department of Conservation said four ingredients commonly found in sun creams were shown to destroy coral larvae, obstruct coral reproduction and cause reef bleaching.

From BBC

“Without significant efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions,” they write, “all tropical coral reefs will experience annual severe bleaching.”

From Washington Post

The corals then turn white - a process known as bleaching.

From BBC