auxochrome
|aux-o-chrome|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑksəˌkroʊm/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːksəkrəʊm/
color modifier / color enhancer
Etymology
'auxochrome' originates from New Latin/Greek compound elements: the prefix 'auxo-' from Greek 'auxein' meaning 'to increase', and 'chroma' (Greek) meaning 'color'.
'auxochrome' was coined in scientific/chemical usage (from New Latin/modern formation combining Greek elements) and entered English as the modern term 'auxochrome' used to describe color-modifying substituents.
Initially formed from elements meaning 'increase' + 'color' to denote a group that 'increases or modifies color'; this core idea persists in current technical usage describing substituents that alter absorption/color properties.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substituent group (for example -OH or -NH2) attached to a chromophore that modifies the chromophore's absorption characteristics (wavelength and/or intensity), typically by donating or withdrawing electrons or extending conjugation.
The -OH group acts as an auxochrome, shifting the dye's absorption maximum toward longer wavelengths.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 05:36