( US color )
■ noun
1》 the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light.
↘one, or any mixture, of the constituents into which light can be separated in a spectrum or rainbow.
↘the use of all ~s, not only black and white, in photography or television.
↘ Heraldry any of the major conventional ~s used in coats of arms (gules, vert, sable, azure, purpure).
↘ Snooker any of the balls other than the white cue ball and the reds.
2》 pigmentation of the skin, especially as an indication of someone's race.
3》 redness of the complexion, as indicating health or an emotion such as anger.
4》 interest, excitement, and vitality: a town full of ~ and character.
5》 ( ~s ) an item of a particular ~ worn to identify or distinguish, in particular the clothes worn by a jockey or the members of sports team.
↘a badge or cap awarded to a pupil representing a school in sport.
↘the flag of a regiment or ship.
6》 Physics a property of quarks which can take three values designated blue, green, and red.
■ verb
1》 give a ~ to.
2》 show embarrassment by becoming red; blush.
3》 influence, especially in a negative way; distort: the experiences had ~ed her whole existence.
Phrases
show one's true ~s reveal one's real character or intentions, especially when these are disreputable.
under ~ of under the pretext of.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~ (n.), ~er (v.), from L. color (n.), colorare (v.).