achromatic
UK: ˌeɪkrə(ʊ)ˈmatɪk | US: ˌeɪkroʊˈmætɪk
adj. 1. (Optics/Color) Free from color; transmitting light without separating it into constituent colors (e.g., an achromatic lens).
adj. 2. (Biology) Lacking normal pigmentation; colorless (e.g., achromatic cells).
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achromatic = a<without, from Greek *a-> + chrom<color, from Greek chroma> + atic<adjective suffix, from Greek -atikos>
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Greek a- (negation) + chroma (color), the term emerged in scientific contexts (18th century) to describe lenses correcting color distortion. The morpheme chrom persists in related words (e.g., chromatic, monochrome), while the suffix -atic standardizes the adjective form. The word’s evolution reflects optics’ advancement—prioritizing precision in light manipulation.
The microscope’s achromatic lens eliminates color fringing for clearer observations.
Certain bacteria appear achromatic under standard staining techniques.
Artists sometimes use achromatic palettes to emphasize contrast.
The design required an achromatic scheme of black, white, and gray.
Achromatic telescopes revolutionized astronomy by reducing chromatic aberration.