colour

Definition: (1) Noun: quality of visual perception characterized by hue, saturation and lightness: it is perceived as attributes of things seen. Caused by quality of light emitted, selectively transmitted or reflected by object and its interaction with eyes and brain. Determined primarily by wavelength or dominant wavelengths of light: visible range is approximately 300nm to 800nm but range of perception and accuracy may depend on abilities of observer; presence or absence of colour vision defects; and ambient lighting conditions. * Black, white and greys are known as achromatic colours i.e. visual sensations with no perceptible hue. (2) Verb: to add colour to an image by hand: using dyes, oil paints with brush or spray (air-brush) or in a image manipulation programme. What it's not It might be instructive to note which attributes of visual perception or experience colour excludes: extent (i.e. orientation, size, shape, texture, etc.); duration (i.e. flicker, movement, etc.); value (brightness, contrast, etc.); definition (i.e. sharpness, indistinctness).

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