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, adjectiveWords nearby false color
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]