Decolouration

/diːˌkʌlərˈeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of color removal or loss; the state of being deprived of color (British English spelling).

Etymology

From decolour + -ation (from Latin -atio). British English uses the -our- spelling of the root, maintaining French-influenced spelling in derived forms like 'decolouration.'

Kelly Says

When British English 'colour' becomes part of a longer word, it keeps the 'u' in forms like 'decolouration'—but here's the twist: this isn't always consistent, which is why British spelling, despite being systematic, can feel unpredictable to learners!

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