countershading

[ koun-ter-shey-ding ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. 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.

countershading

/ ˌkaʊntəˈʃeɪdɪŋ /

noun

1. (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

Word History and Origins

Origin of countershading¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; counter- + shading