n.
Pronunciation: ' pig-m ə nt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, spice, dye, from Latin pigmentum coloring substance, from pingere to paint ― more at PAINT
Date: 14th century
1 : a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber
2 : a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue also : any of various related colorless substances
– pig · men · tary \ -m ə n- ˌ ter- ē \ adjective