discoloration

/dɪskələˈreɪʃɪn/

/dɪskələˈreɪʃən/

Other forms: discolorations

A discoloration is a change in something's color, usually for the worse. A shirt fading is a type of discoloration.

When the color of something gets dingier, duller, or faded, this process is called discoloration. Rust on a car is a type of discoloration. A coffee stain is a type of discoloration. If a person looks green because they're sick, that's a type of discoloration. Most things suffer discoloration over time, because everything ages and fades over time. If you wash a red t-shirt enough times, discoloration might eventually make it pink.

Definitions of discoloration

1. noun

   the act of changing the natural color of something by making it duller or dingier or unnatural or faded
   synonyms: discolouration

   type of:

   change of color

   an act that changes the light that something reflects
2. noun

   a soiled or discolored appearance
   synonyms: discolouration, stain

   types:

   scorch

   a discoloration caused by heat

   bloodstain

   a discoloration caused by blood

   iron mold, iron mould

   a spot caused the staining with rust or ink

   mud stain

   a stain produced by mud

   oil stain

   a stain produced by oil

   tarnish

   discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation

   type of:

   appearance, visual aspect

   outward or visible aspect of a person or thing