three-color

[three-kuhl-er]

adjective

1. having or characterized by the use of three colors.

2. noting or pertaining to a photomechanical process for making reproductions of paintings, artwork, etc., usually by making three printing plates, each corresponding to a primary color, by the halftone process, and printing superimposed impressions from these plates in three correspondingly colored inks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of three-color¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

During karaoke, someone would deliver a King’s Hawaiian three-color pastel Paradise cake.

From Los Angeles Times

During karaoke, someone would deliver a Kings’ Hawaiian three-color pastel Paradise cake.

From Los Angeles Times

This method works best for carving shaded or three-color patterns.

From Seattle Times

The protesters suddenly found their health codes — a three-color system tracking health status — had turned red, prohibiting them from any travel.

From Washington Post

The impression it leaves on my mind is a bold, three-color nightmare: the black of night and trees, the white of snow and teeth, and the red of — well, you’ll see.

From New York Times