Chromatics
/kroʊˈmætɪks/noun
The study or use of color, especially in music theory, art, or optics.
Did you know?Its deepest root is Greek chṓra/chrôma, and in ancient theory color was treated almost like a force that could reveal the hidden structure of reality.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
chrôma / chrômatos
“color, complexion, hue”
Late Greek
Greek
chrōmatikós
“pertaining to color”
16th Century
Latin
chromaticus
“colored; relating to color”
16th–17th Century
English
chromatique / chromatic
“relating to color or the color scale in music”
Modern English
English
chromatics
“the study or system of colors; chromatic qualities in art or music”
Explore more surprising origins