Definition of: color

(kul′ər) noun
1. A visual attribute of bodies or substances distinct from their spatial characteristics and depending upon the spectral composition of the wavelengths of radiant energy capable of stimulating the retina and its associated neural mechanisms. Achromatic colors include black and white and the entire series of intermediate grays, varying only in lightness and brightness. Chromatic colors may also vary in hue, as red, green, blue, and purple; and in saturation.
2. A paint, dyestuff, or pigment, as used in industry and the arts.
3. An appearance; semblance; pretense; disguise.
4. plural An ensign or flag of a nation, also of a military or naval unit, as a regiment, warship, etc.
5. plural In the U.S. Navy, the salute made to the national flag when it is hoisted in the morning and lowered in the evening.
6. The hue of the human skin; complexion: equal rights regardless of race, creed, or color.
7. In art, coloring.
8. Music Timbre; clang; also, the tone, or characteristic effect, of a composition, as produced by specific harmonic, rhythmic, or melodic means.
9. Law An apparent or prima-facie right, authority, etc.
10. A small particle or trace of gold in auriferous sand or gravel.
11. Liveliness or animation, vividness, especially in literary work.
—complementary color
1. Either of a pair of spectrum colors which when combined give a white or nearly white light.
2. One of two pigments whose mixture produces a third color, as blue and yellow blended to produce green.
—primary colors
1. The principal colors in which white light is separated by a prism; the colors of the rainbow.
2. The colors red, yellow, green, and blue, by mixing which any desired color or hue may be obtained; to these white and black may be added.
—v.t.
1. To apply or give color, as by painting, staining, or dyeing.
2. To misrepresent by distortion or exaggeration.
3. To modify in nature or character.
—v.i.
4. To take on or change color, as ripening fruit.
5. To blush or flush. Also Brit, col′our [<OF colour <L color]
—col′or·a·ble adjective
—col′or·a·bly adverb
—col′or·er noun