Discolor

/dɪsˈkʌlər/ verb

Definition

To change or spoil the natural color of something; to stain or cause to lose color.

Etymology

From dis- (meaning opposite or reversal) + color (from Latin color). The prefix dis- emphasizes the reversal or spoiling of the original color. This word has been used since Middle English.

Kelly Says

The prefix dis- is like 'undo'—it reverses or spoils something. So discolor literally means to 'undo' the original color or to damage it, which is why stains and age cause discoloration!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.