I. ˈpälēˌkrōm, -lə̇ˌk- noun
Etymology: German polychrom, from Greek polychrōmos of many colors, from poly- + -chrōmos colored, from chrōma color
1. : something of many colors
2. : variegated coloring
3. pharmacy : esculin
II. adjective
1. : of, relating to, or made with several colors : decorated in various colors
polychrome sculpture
polychrome molding
polychrome weaving
2.
a. : of, relating to, or constituting a style of vase painting developed in Athens in the latter part of the 6th century B.C. using various colors (as black, white, red, and yellow) to paint decorative figures and other motifs on the outer surface of ware often prepared in advance with a coat of white slip — compare black-figure , red-figure
b. : of, relating to, or constituting a style of prehistoric vase painting distinguished by the application of two or more colors — compare monochrome
III. transitive verb
: to decorate or variegate in polychrome style
a polychromed ceiling