colour index: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Professional
Quick answer
What does “colour index” mean?
A numeric system or chart used to identify or reference specific colours, often by assigning each colour a unique number.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A numeric system or chart used to identify or reference specific colours, often by assigning each colour a unique number.
A standardized system for identifying, classifying, and referencing colours numerically, used in industries such as printing, design, cosmetics (e.g., hair colour), textiles, and geology (for mineral identification).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling: British English uses 'colour index', American English uses 'color index'. The concept and usage are identical.
Connotations
None beyond the spelling difference.
Frequency
Equally common in respective professional/technical contexts in each region.
Grammar
How to Use “colour index” in a Sentence
The [product/material] is identified by colour index [number].Please consult the [Pantone] colour index.The designer specified colour index 185.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colour index” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fabric can be colour-indexed for easy matching.
- We need to colour-index the new brand assets.
American English
- The swatches have been color-indexed by the lab.
- They will color-index the entire product line.
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used as an adverb] The colours were organised colour-index-wise.
American English
- [Rarely used as an adverb] The samples are filed color-index-ically for efficiency.
adjective
British English
- The colour-index reference is crucial for printing.
- We need a colour-index chart.
American English
- Use the color-index number on the order form.
- Do you have the color-index book?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement, branding, and product specification to ensure colour consistency across materials and suppliers.
Academic
Used in geology (e.g., the 'Brewer-Lambert colour index' for minerals), art history, and design studies.
Everyday
Rarely used; a person might encounter it when choosing paint or professional printing services.
Technical
Essential in graphic design, printing, manufacturing, textiles, and cosmetics for precise colour reproduction and communication.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colour index”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colour index”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colour index”
- Using 'colour index' to mean a simple list of colours rather than a standardized numbering system. Confusing it with 'colour palette', which is a selection of colours used together, not a reference system.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Colour index' is a generic term. Specific systems like Pantone, RAL, or Munsell are different colour indexes used by different industries.
To provide an unambiguous, numerical way to specify a colour, eliminating subjective descriptions like 'sky blue' or 'bright red', which can vary between people and printing processes.
It's a specialist term. In everyday contexts, people are more likely to say 'colour chart', 'paint swatch', or 'colour number'.
A colour index (e.g., Pantone) is designed for physical colour reproduction in print and manufacturing. A hex code (e.g., #FF5733) is a digital representation for screens and web design. They are different systems that often require conversion.
A numeric system or chart used to identify or reference specific colours, often by assigning each colour a unique number.
Colour index is usually technical, professional in register.
Colour index: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌl.ər ˌɪn.deks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌl.ɚ ˌɪn.deks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a library INDEX for COLOURS, where each colour has a call number.
Conceptual Metaphor
A colour index is a DICTIONARY or PHONEBOOK for colours.
Practice
Quiz
In which field would a 'colour index' most likely refer to a measurement of mineral composition?