Colour

The Color hierarchy contains descriptors for the names of colors, and for color in the sense of qualities perceived through vision responding to different wavelengths of light. Also included are descriptors for types of color (e.g., cool colors) and color-related phenomena (e.g., color mixture). Descriptors for color names are drawn from the Universal Color Language (UCL), as found in Kenneth L. Kelly and Deane B. Judd, Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Color Names, (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, 1976). Variant color names from other well-known color-order systems and methods of designating color are provided. Centroid color numbers, which refer the user to the appropriate color-blocks on the Inter-Society Color Council and National Bureau of Standards color name charts given in the Dictionary of Color Names are also provided. Munsell notations are included; however, a user who needs to describe the color of an item in hand very precisely is advised to consult the Munsell Book of Color, (Baltimore: Munsell Color Company, 1976) to make comparison with the given samples in order to determine the specific notation. Color designations that are near-synonyms, but not true synonyms, are linked as Associative Relationships. Relation to Other Hierarchies: Descriptors for inherent physical characteristics other than color but which may relate to color (e.g., permanence) are found in the Attributes and Properties hierarchy. Descriptors for physical phenomena perceptible in color (e.g., abrash, color shift) are found in the Conditions and Effects hierarchy. Descriptors for individual and repeating design elements such as signs and symbols, motifs, patterns, and areas of decoration are in the Design Elements hierarchy (e.g., crosses, Tudor roses, frets). Descriptors for materials used to impart color to physical things (e.g., dye, pigment) are found in the Materials hierarchy.