discoloring
Fading from original
Discoloring is changing color in an unwanted way—fading, staining, yellowing, or otherwise losing original appearance.
Teeth discolor from coffee and tobacco.
Old photographs discolor with age.
Bruised fruit discolors where damaged.
The word applies to gradual degradation rather than intentional dyeing or painting: The chlorine was discoloring her hair.
Applying dye or pigment
- fadingGradual loss of intensity
- bleachingChemical color removal
- yellowingBecoming pale gold-brown
- darkeningGrowing less bright
lightening · tarnishing · rusting · oxidizing · corroding · weathering · aging · browning
staining
Applying dye or pigment
darkening · lightening · tarnishing · rusting · oxidizing · corroding · weathering · aging · browning · graying
stain
Lasting surface discoloration
smudge · spot · streak · patina · tarnish · discolouration · variegation · mottling · marbling · foxing
- deterioratingdecaying, decomposing, degrading, rotting, eroding
- staining methodsdyeing, tinting, batik, tie-dyeing, bleaching
discoloringbrightening
Increasing in light
coloring · dyeing · tinting · saturating · enriching
discoloringrestoring
Returning to original condition
preserving · beautifying · refreshing · renewing · polishing