n. 1. A substance used as coloring. 2. Dry coloring matter, usually an insoluble powder, to be mixed with water, oil, or another base to produce paint and similar products. 3. A substance, such as chlorophyll or melanin, that produces a characteristic color in plant or animal tissue. tr.v. pig·ment·ed, pig·ment·ing, pig·ments To color with pigment. [Middle English, spice, red dye, from Latin pigmentum, from pingere, to paint; see peig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] pigmen·tar′y (pĭgmən-tĕr′ē) adj. |
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