variegation

American  

[vair-ee-i-gey-shuhn, vair-i-gey-] / ˌvɛər i ɪˈgeɪ ʃən, ˌvɛər ɪˈgeɪ- /

noun

1. an act of variegating.

2. the state or condition of being variegated; variegated; varied coloration.

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Etymology

Origin of variegation

First recorded in 1640–50; variegate + -ion

Example Sentences

“This variegation decreases their fitness, which makes them more scarce,” Jonard said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2021

In summer, Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus ‘Cosmopolitan’ arches tall in ribbons of white and green variegation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2018

But these shifts feel deliberate, like the clicking of a slide projector rather than the smooth variegation of a kaleidoscope, and the landscape always clears atop that steady pulse.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2016

The Rockies may offer wilder wildernesses, but you don’t experience the pleasure of sharp cultural variegation as you move from place to place.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 11, 2016

Embroid′erer; Embroid′ery, the art of producing ornamental patterns by means of needlework on textile fabrics, &c.: ornamental needlework: variegation or diversity: artificial ornaments.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various