col·or·a·tion / ˌkələˈrāshən/ • n. 1. a visual appearance with regard to color. some bacterial structures take on a purple coloration. ∎  the natural color or variegated markings of animals or plants: the red coloration of many maples. ∎  a scheme or method of applying color.2. a specified pervading character or tone of something: the movement has taken on a fundamentalist coloration. ∎  a variety of musical or vocal expression: a skillful singer can do much with coloration.

coloration XVII. — F. coloration or late L. colōrātiō, -ōn-, f. colōrāre COLOUR; see -ATION.
So coloratura (mus.) XIX. — It.; see -URE. colorific XVII. — F. or modL.