How Do You Spell PIGMENTATION?

Pronunciation: [pˌɪɡməntˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

The word "pigmentation" refers to the coloring or pigment of something. It is spelled as /pɪɡmənˈteɪʃən/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as "pig", the second as "muh", and the last as "tay-shun". The letter "g" follows "m" to create a nasal sound in the middle of the word. The "tion" ending is pronounced "shun", which is common in many English words. The spelling of "pigmentation" is not only important but can also be helpful for medical and scientific research purposes.

PIGMENTATION Meaning and Definition

1. Pigmentation refers to the coloring or coloration in living organisms, primarily resulting from the presence and distribution of pigments within tissues or cells. These pigments can absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, thereby determining the visible color that is perceived by an observer.

   In humans, pigmentation is most commonly associated with melanin, a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanin is responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes, and its production is influenced by genetics, hormones, and environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight. Variations in melanin production contribute to the diversity of skin tones observed among different individuals and populations.

   Additionally, pigmentation can also refer to the coloration of other body parts or tissues, such as the pigmented layer of the retina in the eye, which contains specialized cells called photoreceptors responsible for sensing and processing light. Pigmentation can have functional roles, such as protecting against damaging ultraviolet radiation in the case of skin pigmentation or enhancing visual acuity and color perception in the case of retinal pigmentation.

   Abnormal pigmentation can occur due to various factors, including genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances, certain diseases, or external factors like scars or exposure to toxins. Pigmentation disorders include conditions such as albinism, vitiligo, melasma, and freckles. These disorders can impact the appearance of an individual and may have significant psychological and social effects.

2. Coloration, either normal or pathological, of the skin or tissues by a deposit of pigment.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for PIGMENTATION *

• pigmintation 62.5%
• pigmentaion 12.5%
• pigmatation 12.5%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PIGMENTATION

• pigmentations
• pigmentatin
• cogmentation
• pigmentacion
• pigmentaition

Etymology of PIGMENTATION

The word "pigmentation" is derived from the Latin word "pigmentum", which means "coloring matter" or "paint". The term was initially used in the context of painting and referred to the various substances used as dyes or pigments to add color to a surface. Over time, the word expanded its meaning to encompass the natural coloration of living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants.

Plural form of PIGMENTATION is PIGMENTATIONS