Definition

Relating to a type of staining in which a substance changes color when it binds to another substance.

Example

The scientist used a metachromatic dye to highlight the cells under the microscope.

Conversation

Did you see that painting with the metachromatic colors?

Yeah, it was so cool how it changed with the light!

I love how metachromatic art can look different from various angles.

Right? It really adds depth and interest to the piece.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Metachromatic → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or change) and "chroma" (from Greek "chroma", meaning color) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "metachromatic" refers to something that pertains to colors that change or are beyond the usual color spectrum.

Memory Tip

Think of 'beyond' ('meta-') regular 'colors' ('chroma') to remember that 'metachromatic' relates to colors that change or are different.

Visually Confused Words