'pigment-sensitive' originates from the combination of 'pigment,' which comes from Latin 'pigmentum,' meaning 'coloring matter,' and 'sensitive,' from Latin 'sensitivus,' meaning 'capable of feeling or perceiving.'

'Pigmentum' transformed into the Old French word 'pigment,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pigment.' 'Sensitivus' evolved into the Middle English 'sensitif,' which became 'sensitive.'

Initially, 'pigment' referred to any coloring matter, while 'sensitive' meant capable of feeling. Together, they now describe a heightened reaction to pigments.