COLOQUINTIDA
Col`o*quin"ti*da, n.
Defn: See Colocynth. Shak.
COLOR Col"or, n. [Written also colour.] Etym: [OF. color, colur, colour, F. couleur, L. color; prob. akin to celare to conceal (the color taken as that which covers). See Helmet.]
1. A property depending on the relations of light to the eye, by which individual and specific differences in the hues and tints of objects are apprehended in vision; as, gay colors; sad colors, etc.
Note: The sensation of color depends upon a peculiar function of the retina or optic nerve, in consequence of which rays of light produce different effects according to the length of their waves or undulations, waves of a certain length producing the sensation of red, shorter waves green, and those still shorter blue, etc. White, or ordinary, light consists of waves of various lengths so blended as to produce no effect of color, and the color of objects depends upon their power to absorb or reflect a greater or less proportion of the rays which fall upon them.
2. Any hue distinguished from white or black.
3. The hue or color characteristic of good health and spirits; ruddy complexion. Give color to my pale cheek. Shak.
4. That which is used to give color; a paint; a pigment; as, oil colors or water colors.
5. That which covers or hides the real character of anything; semblance; excuse; disguise; appearance. They had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship. Acts xxvii. 30. That he should die is worthy policy; But yet we want a color for his death. Shak.
6. Shade or variety of character; kind; species. Boys and women are for the most part cattle of this color. Shak.