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; varied coloration.

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Etymology

Origin of variegation

First recorded in 1640–50; variegate + -ion

Explanation

Variegation is the process of making something more diverse, especially in its coloration. The variegation in a plant's leaves can give them a striped or spotted appearance. One long musical note can be made into an interesting tune with some variegation in its pitch and tone. And adding variegation to the color of the ocean in your painting can lend it a more realistic appearance. This noun is often used by botanists (plant scientists) to describe the color variation in blossoms and leaves. The Latin root of variegation is varius, "spotted" or "varying."

Example Sentences

Speaking of combining colors, I’ve heard lots of talk lately about how we should avoid using yellow variegated plants in the same beds, or even in the same garden, with plants of white variegation.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 24, 2022

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 the variegation is part of Carballido’s point.

From Washington Post • Feb. 8, 2017

Many cultivars of ivy can be found in and around gardens, some showing flashy variegation, others with finely dissected leaves.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2017

He learned to know the different inflections of her voice and the meanings of her expressive glance; he studied the variegation of the spots which shaded the dead gold of her robe.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 3 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright