Definition

The condition of being able to see and distinguish three primary colors, which are typically red, green, and blue.

Example

Humans are generally trichromats, allowing them to perceive a wide range of colors.

Conversation

I read an article about trichromatism the other day.

Oh really? What’s that about?

It’s about how some people perceive colors differently, using three primary colors.

That sounds fascinating! I never knew there was a term for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Trichromatism → It is formed from "tri-" (meaning three), "chroma" (from Greek "chroma", meaning color), and "-tism" (a suffix used in English to denote a state or condition). The word describes the condition of having three colors, particularly in reference to color vision.

Memory Tip

Think of 'three' ('tri-') colors ('chroma') that help us see the world in a rich way — that's what trichromatism means.

Visually Confused Words