discoloration
Unwanted hue shift
Discoloration is a change in color, usually for the worse—a stain, spot, or faded area where the original color has been altered.
Skin shows discoloration from bruises, sun damage, or medical conditions.
Fabrics develop discoloration from age or improper washing.
The water damage left discoloration on the ceiling.
Also spelled discolouration in British English.
Discolored tissue injury
- birthmarkCongenital skin discoloration
- freckleSmall pigmented skin spot
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- scarPermanent mark from healing
lesion · hyperpigmentation · melasma · vitiligo · rash · sunburn · tan lines · age spots
Surface film from aging
- yellowingBecoming pale gold-brown
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
fading · foxing · browning · antiquing · time-worn · age spots · liver spots · senescence
Accidental liquid release
Iron oxide coating
- corrosionChemical wearing away
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- moldForm-giving container
mildew · blight · water damage · scorch · char · burn mark · bleach spot · chemical burn
Yellowing from bile pigment
- cyanosisBlue skin from low oxygen
- pallorUnhealthy facial whiteness
- lividityPooled blood discoloration
- necrosisLocalized cell death
gangrene · hematoma · contusion · purpura · erythema · inflammation · infection · rash
Chemical color removal
- lighteningMaking lighter in weight/shade
- washoutComplete failure or cancellation
- sun-bleachedLightened by prolonged daylight
- desaturationReduction of color intensity
pallor · whitening · blanching · dulling · streaking · photodegradation · chlorine damage
bruise
Discolored tissue injury
scar · lesion · hyperpigmentation · melasma · vitiligo · rash · sunburn · tan lines · age spots · liver spots
patina
Surface film from aging
- yellowingBecoming pale gold-brown
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
weathering · fading · foxing · browning · antiquing · time-worn · age spots · liver spots · senescence · degradation
spill
Accidental liquid release
grime · residue · ink · wine · blood · oil · coffee · tea · grass · sweat
rust
Iron oxide coating
mold · mildew · blight · water damage · scorch · char · burn mark · bleach spot · chemical burn · etching
jaundice
Yellowing from bile pigment
necrosis · gangrene · hematoma · contusion · purpura · erythema · inflammation · infection · rash · bilirubin
bleaching
Chemical color removal
- lighteningMaking lighter in weight/shade
- washoutComplete failure or cancellation
- sun-bleachedLightened by prolonged daylight
desaturation · pallor · whitening · blanching · dulling · streaking · photodegradation · chlorine damage
- skin conditionseczema, psoriasis, hives, dermatitis, rash
- glass flawsbubbles, cracks, chips, seeds, stones
- meat defectsbruising, off odor, spoilage, freezer burn, rancidity
- polymer damagedegradation, embrittlement, cracking, photodegradation, depolymerization
- light damagephotodegradation, sun damage, light damage, fading, bleaching
- symptomsfever, headache, pain, nausea, rash
discolorationtrue color
Actual character revealed
clarity · natural color · blank · brightness · colorlessness
discolorationflawlessness
Total absence of defects
unblemished · spotlessness · unstained · immaculate · mint condition
- skin discolorationAltered pigment on body