protective coloration

noun

coloration or anything likened to it that eliminates or reduces visibility or conspicuousness.

the coloration of an animal that enables it to blend with its surroundings and therefore escape the attention of predators

First recorded in 1890–95

A very handsome little species occuring rarely with us, or perhaps overlooked by virtue of its protective coloration.

In some quarters it is the present fashion to doubt protective coloration entirely.

This sort of protective appearance is intensified by exactly the same means as that which brought about protective coloration.

One aspect of protective coloration has been brought to our attention by the artist, Mr. Abbott N. Thayer.

Its commonest form is the protective coloration of a neutral respectability, an insipidity of character.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse