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

The process follows a special ozone treatment for sterilisation, bleaching and deodorisation.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Daniel added that eventually, he was using the bleaching product all over his body on a daily basis.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Now, researchers report that a global marine heatwave caused widespread coral bleaching, damaging roughly half of the world's reefs.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

"Our results show that the Third Global Coral Bleaching Event was by far the most severe and widespread coral bleaching event on record," Connolly said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

Richard sits tensely, his hand clutching the armrest, his knuckles bleaching each time the tires slip.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover