variegation

Other forms: variegations

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."

Definitions of variegation

1. noun

   the act of introducing variety (especially in investments or in the variety of goods and services offered)
   synonyms: diversification

   type of:

   change

   the action of changing something
2. noun

   variability in coloration
   type of:

   variability, variableness, variance

   the quality of being subject to variation