dichromatism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dichromatism” mean?
The condition of having vision based on only two types of colour-sensitive cells (cones), resulting in a limited ability to distinguish certain colours.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The condition of having vision based on only two types of colour-sensitive cells (cones), resulting in a limited ability to distinguish certain colours.
1. (Biology/Medicine) A form of colour blindness, specifically dichromacy. 2. (Optics/Physics) The property of exhibiting two different colours, especially when viewed from different angles or under different lighting conditions (e.g., in crystals, minerals, or certain animal plumage).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both variants. Slightly more likely to appear in specialised academic texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dichromatism” in a Sentence
Dichromatism is observed in [noun phrase].The [noun phrase] exhibits dichromatism.A study of dichromatism in [population/ material].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dichromatism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dichromatism study yielded new data.
- A dichromatism test was administered.
American English
- The dichromatism research provided insights.
- They identified a dichromatism pattern.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in specialised papers in ophthalmology, vision science, biology, zoology, optics, and mineralogy.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May appear in high-level science journalism or detailed discussions about colour blindness.
Technical
Precise term in the fields listed under 'academic'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dichromatism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dichromatism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dichromatism”
- Misspelling as 'dichromitism' or 'dichromacyism'.
- Confusing it with general 'colour blindness' (which includes monochromatism and anomalous trichromatism).
- Using it in a non-technical context where it would not be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a specific, severe type of colour blindness where one of the three cone types is completely missing, leaving only two functional cone types.
Yes. In optics and biology, it can describe a material or animal feature that shows two different colours depending on the angle of view or lighting.
Protanopia (lack of red-sensitive cones), Deuteranopia (lack of green-sensitive cones), and Tritanopia (lack of blue-sensitive cones).
In humans, red-green dichromatism (protanopia/deuteranopia) affects about 1-2% of males and is much rarer in females. Tritanopia is very rare. As a physical property in materials, it is not uncommon.
The condition of having vision based on only two types of colour-sensitive cells (cones), resulting in a limited ability to distinguish certain colours.
Dichromatism is usually academic, technical, scientific in register.
Dichromatism: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈkrəʊmətɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈkroʊmətɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DI-' means two + 'CHROMA' means colour + '-ISM' is a condition. It's the condition of having/seeing in two colours.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISION IS A CHANNEL (with dichromatism being a channel limited to two primary inputs instead of three).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common everyday term related to 'dichromatism'?