discoloration

Everyday

1. A change in the usual colour of something, often to a worse colour. tree →
2. A spot or patch where the colour has changed, like a stain or a bruise. tree →

In the lessons

In science and everyday life, discoloration shows rust, mould, sun damage, a stain on teeth or a bruise on skin; it is often a sign of a problem; phrases: «discoloration of the teeth», «a yellow discoloration».

Examples

• The dentist noticed some discoloration on my tooth. tree →
• Sunlight caused discoloration of the curtains. tree →
• There was a brown discoloration on the ceiling from the leak. tree →
• Rust leaves a red discoloration on metal. tree →
• The bruise left a purple discoloration on his knee. tree →
• Discoloration of leaves can mean a plant is ill. tree →
• We cleaned the discoloration from the bath. tree →

Note

This is the US spelling (also used often in the UK); the UK spelling is «discolouration». Verb: discolour (UK) / discolor (US).