metamerism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalHighly formal, academic, technical. Not used in everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “metamerism” mean?
A phenomenon where two objects appear identical in colour under one light source but different under another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phenomenon where two objects appear identical in colour under one light source but different under another; in biology, the segmented body plan of certain animals.
Primarily a technical term. In colour science, it refers to the matching of colours with different spectral power distributions. In zoology and developmental biology, it describes the serial repetition of body segments along the longitudinal axis, a key feature of annelids, arthropods, and chordates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows standard patterns (e.g., 'colour science' in UK, 'color science' in US contexts, but the term itself is spelled the same).
Connotations
None beyond its technical definitions.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties. More likely encountered in specific academic or industrial texts.
Grammar
How to Use “metamerism” in a Sentence
[Subject] exhibits/shows metamerism.Metamerism is a property of [object/organism].The [problem/phenomenon] of metamerism in [context].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metamerism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metameric match was acceptable under daylight but failed in fluorescent light.
- The earthworm displays a clearly metameric body plan.
American English
- The metameric color match was acceptable under daylight but failed in fluorescent light.
- The crayfish has a metameric structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in manufacturing/quality control for textiles, paints, or printing, e.g., 'We must minimise metamerism in our fabric dyes for uniform appearance in store lighting.'
Academic
Common in specific disciplines: biology textbooks (developmental biology, zoology), colour science, optics, and materials science journals.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used by colour scientists, graphic designers, zoologists, and textile engineers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metamerism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metamerism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metamerism”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈmet.ə.mer.ɪz.əm/ (stress on first syllable).
- Confusing the two distinct meanings.
- Using it in a non-technical context where simpler words like 'colour match problem' or 'segmentation' would be clearer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in technical, scientific, and academic contexts.
In industry, it causes mismatches in colour-coordinated products (like car parts or clothing) when viewed under different light sources, leading to quality control issues and customer complaints.
Etymologically, yes (from Greek 'meta-' (change/after) and 'meros' (part)). Conceptually, they are distinct: one is about conditional sameness in colour, the other about structural repetition of body parts. They are separate technical applications of the same root concept.
Use spectrophotometers to compare spectral reflectance curves, not just visual assessment under a single light source. Match colours using standardised illuminants like D65 (daylight).
A phenomenon where two objects appear identical in colour under one light source but different under another.
Metamerism is usually highly formal, academic, technical. not used in everyday conversation. in register.
Metamerism: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈtæm.ər.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtæm.əˌrɪz.əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: META (change) + MER (part) + ISM (state). In colour, the match CHANGES with light. In biology, the body is in PARTS (segments).
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOUR IS A DECEPTIVE MATCH (the match is conditional/unstable). BODY IS A TRAIN OF COMPARTMENTS (segments are like linked carriages).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would the term 'metamerism' most likely refer to the repetition of body segments?