countershading

[ koun-ter-shey-ding ]
/ ˈkaʊn tərˌʃeɪ dɪŋ /

noun Zoology.

the development of dark colors on parts usually exposed to the sun and of light colors on parts usually shaded, especially as serving for protection or concealment.

Origin of countershading

First recorded in 1895–1900; counter- + shading

Words nearby countershading

counterreply, counterrevolution, counterrevolutionary, counterrotating, counterscarp, countershading, countershaft, countershock, countersign, countersignature, countersink

British Dictionary definitions for countershading

countershading
/ (ˌkaʊntəˈʃeɪdɪŋ) /

noun

(in the coloration of certain animals) a pattern, serving as camouflage, in which dark colours occur on parts of the body exposed to the light and pale colours on parts in the shade