different between achromatic vs achromatism

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ???????????? (akhr?mátistos, “uncolored”), from ?- (a-, “not”) + ????? (khrôma, “color”); compare French achromatique

Pronunciation

• (US, UK) IPA^(key): /?æk????mæt.?k/

Adjective

achromatic (comparative more achromatic, superlative most achromatic)

1. (optics) Free from color; transmitting light without color-related distortion.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:achromatic

2. Containing components such as achromatic lenses and prisms, designed to prevent color-related distortion.
3. (biology) Uncolored; not absorbing color from a fluid; -- said of tissue
4. (music) Having only the diatonic notes of the scale; not modified by accidentals.
5. Being achromatic in subject

Related terms

Translations

English

Etymology

Compare French achromatisme.

Noun

achromatism (uncountable)

1. The state or quality of being achromatic; achromaticity.

2. The state of being free of colors, not emitting or separating into colors.
   • 1946, Mervyn Peake, Titus Groan, London: Eyre & Spottiswoode, “Mrs Slagg by Moonlight”

     No flaming flower relieved its black achromatism although that tree had been known long ago to burst open with a three-hour glory.

3. Achromatopia.

Translations

References

• achromatism in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, 22nd edition, W. B. Saunders, 1977