countershading

[ koun-ter-shey-ding ]
/ ˈkaʊn tərˌʃeɪ dɪŋ /

noun Zoology.

the development of dark colors on parts usually exposed to the sun and of light colors on parts usually shaded, especially as serving for protection or concealment.

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DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
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decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of countershading

First recorded in 1895–1900; counter- + shading

Words nearby countershading

counterreply, counterrevolution, counterrevolutionary, counterrotating, counterscarp, countershading, countershaft, countershock, countersign, countersignature, countersink
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for countershading

countershading
/ (ˌkaʊntəˈʃeɪdɪŋ) /

noun

(in the coloration of certain animals) a pattern, serving as camouflage, in which dark colours occur on parts of the body exposed to the light and pale colours on parts in the shade
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012