chromaticity coordinates: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHighly technical / scientific
Quick answer
What does “chromaticity coordinates” mean?
A pair of numerical values (usually x and y) that precisely specify the color quality of light or an object, independent of its brightness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of numerical values (usually x and y) that precisely specify the color quality of light or an object, independent of its brightness.
In color science and imaging, these are values derived from tristimulus values that define a color's location within a chromaticity diagram (like the CIE 1931 diagram), representing its hue and saturation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Both variants use the same term identically.
Connotations
Identically technical and precise in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both dialects, confined to color science, physics, engineering, and related technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “chromaticity coordinates” in a Sentence
The chromaticity coordinates of [light source/object] are (x, y).To calculate the chromaticity coordinates for [something].[Something] is defined by its chromaticity coordinates.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; potentially in very specific industries like display manufacturing or colorant production for quality control specifications.
Academic
Primary context. Used in textbooks and research papers in color science, optics, physics, computer graphics, and imaging technology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The dominant context. Used by engineers, color scientists, and technicians when calibrating displays, defining color standards, or analyzing light sources.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromaticity coordinates”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chromaticity coordinates”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromaticity coordinates”
- Using it in the singular ('a chromaticity coordinate').
- Confusing it with RGB values or other color models.
- Pronouncing 'chromaticity' with a hard 'ch' /tʃ/ instead of /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. RGB values are device-dependent and mix red, green, and blue light to create a colour, including brightness. Chromaticity coordinates (like x, y) are device-independent and describe only the colour's hue and purity, separate from its brightness.
In the CIE 1931 system, three tristimulus values (X, Y, Z) are measured. The x and y coordinates are derived from these (x = X/(X+Y+Z), y = Y/(X+Y+Z)). The third coordinate, z, is redundant as x + y + z = 1, so only two are needed to specify the chromaticity.
It is foundational in color science, lighting engineering, display technology (TVs, monitors), digital imaging, photography, and any field requiring precise, standardized colour measurement and specification.
Yes, in theory, for any colour perceived by the human eye. However, the coordinates will only fall within a specific horseshoe-shaped region on the CIE diagram, which represents all physically realisable chromaticities.
A pair of numerical values (usually x and y) that precisely specify the color quality of light or an object, independent of its brightness.
Chromaticity coordinates is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Chromaticity coordinates: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrəʊməˈtɪsɪti kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkroʊməˈtɪsəti koʊˈɔːrdɪneɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHROMA' (color) + 'CITY' (a place) + 'COORDINATES' (a map location). Chromaticity coordinates are like the map coordinates (x, y) that tell you exactly where a color lives in the city of all possible colors.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COLOR IS A LOCATION ON A MAP. The chromaticity diagram is the map, and the coordinates pinpoint the color's precise address.
Practice
Quiz
What do chromaticity coordinates primarily describe about a colour?