Colorings

Colorings

Colorings (/ˈkʌlərɪŋz/), also known as dyes or pigments, are substances used to change the color of an object or substance. The term is often used in the context of medicine, where colorings are used in various diagnostic tests and procedures.

Etymology

The term "coloring" comes from the Old English word "colian", which means "to change color". The term "dye" comes from the Old English word "deah" or "deag", which means "color" or "hue". The term "pigment" comes from the Latin word "pigmentum", which means "paint".

Types of Colorings

There are several types of colorings used in medicine, including:

• Fluorescent dyes: These are used in fluorescence microscopy to highlight specific structures in cells or tissues.
• Contrast agents: These are used in medical imaging to improve the contrast of structures or fluids within the body.
• Stains: These are used in histology to highlight specific structures in tissue samples.

Related Terms

• Chromophore: This is the part of a molecule that absorbs light and gives a dye or pigment its color.
• Mordant: This is a substance used to fix dyes on to a material by forming a coordination complex with the dye.
• Dye-laser: This is a laser that uses an organic dye as the lasing medium.

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