false color


noun

photography using infrared-sensitive film that produces images in which heat-emitting areas or objects appear red.

Origin of false color

First recorded in 1965–70

OTHER WORDS FROM false color

false-col·or, adjective

Definition for false color (2 of 2)

false colors

plural noun

the flag of a country other than one's own, especially when used deceptively: sailing under false colors.
false or deceptive actions or statements; misrepresentation.

Origin of false colors

1565–75, for literal sense

Idioms and Phrases with false color

false colors

Pretense, misrepresentation, or hypocrisy; deceptive statements or actions. For example, She's sailing under false colors—she claims to be a Republican, but endorses Democratic legislation. This term alludes to the practice of pirate ships sailing under false colors—that is, running a particular flag specifically to lure another vessel close enough to be captured. [Late 1600s]