'depigmentation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'depigmentare,' where 'de-' meant 'removal' and 'pigmentum' meant 'coloring matter.'

'depigmentare' transformed into the French word 'dépigmentation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'depigmentation' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'removal of coloring matter,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.