discoloration

American  

[dis-kuhl-uh-rey-shuhn] / dɪsˌkʌl əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or fact of discoloring or the state of being discolored.

2. a discolored marking or area; stain.

---

Other Word Forms

• self-discoloration noun

Etymology

Origin of discoloration

First recorded in 1635–45; discolor + -ation

Explanation

A discoloration is a change in something's color, usually for the worse. A shirt fading is a type of discoloration. When the color of something gets dingier, duller, or faded, this process is called discoloration. Rust on a car is a type of discoloration. A coffee stain is a type of discoloration. If a person looks green because they're sick, that's a type of discoloration. Most things suffer discoloration over time, because everything ages and fades over time. If you wash a red t-shirt enough times, discoloration might eventually make it pink.

Example Sentences

However, these same reactions can also weaken enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to future discoloration and other issues.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

One of the issues Dr Lee said the panel had found was that skin discoloration noted on some of the babies was, he claimed, wrongly attributed to air embolus by the prosecution.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2025

In those cases, shoppers may be put off by odd shapes or discoloration, despite the food being perfectly tasty and nutritious underneath.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2024

Glasnow had a dark spot on the thumb and some discoloration in the palm of his hand, but the umpires did not detect any illegal substances.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2024

The center wasn’t exactly black—it was a deep discoloration that looked different depending on the light—the way a person’s eyes sometimes do.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• blemish