n.
- 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 colours, not only black and white, in photography or television.
▸Heraldry any of the major conventional colours used in coats of arms (gules, vert, sable, azure, purpure).
▸Snooker any of the balls other than the white cue ball and the reds.
- pigmentation of the skin, especially as an indication of someone's race.
- redness of the complexion, as indicating health or an emotion such as anger.
- interest, excitement, and vitality:
a town full of colour and character.
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(colours)
an item of a particular colour 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.
- Physics a property of quarks which can take three values designated blue, green, and red.
v.
- give a colour to.
- show embarrassment by becoming red; blush.
- influence, especially in a negative way; distort:
the experiences had coloured her whole existence.
Phrase
- show one's true colours
reveal one's real character or intentions, especially when these are disreputable. - under colour of
under the pretext of.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. colour (n.), colourer (v.), from L. color (n.), colorare (v.).