保護色(ほごしょく)

ほごしょく
noun
protective coloration; camouflage color
nature
1. protective coloration; camouflage color
Body coloring that lets an animal blend into its surroundings so that predators or prey cannot easily see it. A biology term, also used figuratively for anything that helps someone go unnoticed.
カメレオンは保護色(ほごしょく)を持(も)つ。
Chameleons have protective coloration.
この虫(むし)は葉(は)っぱと同(おな)じ保護色(ほごしょく)をしている。
This insect has protective coloration the same as the leaves.
雪(ゆき)の中(なか)では白(しろ)い毛(け)が保護色(ほごしょく)になり、敵(てき)から身(み)を守(まも)る。
In the snow, white fur becomes protective coloration and protects them from enemies.

A biology term for coloring that camouflages an animal against its background. Contrast with 警告色(けいこくしょく) (warning coloration), which makes an animal conspicuous.

Common collocations

  • 保護色(ほごしょく)をしている: to have protective coloration
  • 保護色(ほごしょく)になる: to serve as camouflage
  • 周(まわ)りの保護色(ほごしょく): camouflage matching the surroundings

Similar words

  • 迷彩(めいさい): camouflage pattern — man-made, as on military uniforms and vehicles
  • 擬態(ぎたい): mimicry — imitating another object or creature in shape as well as color

Related Words

Compare: 擬態(ぎたい) (mimicry)
general
Added 2026.7.18 6:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
29500/29906_hogoshoku