⚗️ Same formula, different groups 🪱 Repeated body parts 🌈 Color change by light

metamerism

9.9

Two colors that look the same in one light but different in another

noun
/ˌmɛtəˈmɛrɪzəm/

Specialized

: metamerismo

The dress appeared blue in natural light, but due to metamerism, it looked green under the store's artificial lighting.

Examples

Manufacturers test for metamerism to ensure fabric colors match in all lighting conditions.
Because of metamerism, two car parts may seem identical in the showroom but not outside.
The artist was surprised by metamerism when her painting looked different under fluorescent lights.
The concept of metamerism is crucial in color theory.
Can you explain metamerism to me?
When choosing paint colors, you must consider metamerism to prevent any mismatch in different environments.
During the exhibition, several artworks showcased metamerism, revealing unexpected color changes as viewers moved around.

Surface Forms

metamerism singular

metamerisms plural

Morphology

metamerism = metamer (opaque) = metamer + ism

Although formed by a productive suffix '-ism', the base 'metamer' is a specialized technical term unfamiliar to average learners, so the meaning is not predictably derived.

Etymology

Metamerism comes from the Greek parts meta- 'change', seen in metamorphosis, and meros 'part'. In color, think of two color 'parts' that 'change' under different light, so they match in one light but look different in another.