I. ˈpigmənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin pigmentum pigment, paint, from pingere to paint + -mentum -ment — more at paint
1.
a. : a natural or synthetic inorganic or organic substance that imparts a color including black or white to other materials ; especially : a powder or easily powdered substance mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used in making paints, enamels, and other coating materials, inks, plastics, and rubber and also for imparting opacity and other desirable properties as well as color
b. : a compounding ingredient (as a filler or reinforcing agent) used in the manufacture of rubber or plastics — compare dye I 2
2.
a. : any of various coloring matters in animals and plants ; especially : solid or opaque coloring matter in a cell or tissue
b. : any of various related colorless substances (as various respiratory enzymes)
II. -mənt, -ˌment — see -ment II verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
: to color or imbue with or as if with pigment
wished to pigment the photograph
intransitive verb
: to acquire pigment : become colored or imbued
those who pigmented well gave about the same values as those who did not pigment well — Experiment Station Record