色素(しきそ)

しきそ
noun
pigment; coloring matter
1. pigment; coloring matter
A substance that gives color to something, whether natural (such as melanin in skin) or artificial (such as food coloring).
色素(しきそ)が薄(うす)い。
The pigmentation is light.
紫外線(しがいせん)を浴(あ)びると色素(しきそ)が沈着(ちんちゃく)する。
Exposure to UV rays causes pigmentation.
この食品(しょくひん)には人工(じんこう)色素(しきそ)が使(つか)われていないので安心(あんしん)だ。
This food product doesn't use artificial coloring, so it's safe.

A compound of 色(しき) (color) and 素(そ) (element, substance). Used broadly in biology, medicine, food science, and cosmetics to refer to any substance responsible for color.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 色素(しきそ)沈着(ちんちゃく) — pigmentation (deposit of pigment in skin)
  • 人工(じんこう)色素(しきそ) — artificial coloring
  • 天然(てんねん)色素(しきそ) — natural pigment
  • 色素(しきそ)が薄(うす)い — to have light pigmentation
  • メラニン色素(しきそ) — melanin pigment

RELATED TERMS:

  • 着色料(ちゃくしょくりょう) — coloring agent (for food/products)
  • 染料(せんりょう) — dye (for fabrics)
  • 顔料(がんりょう) — pigment (for paints and inks)
general
Added 2026.3.28 13:34
19500/19991_shikiso