Kirkkaankirjava

Kirkkaankirjava is a Finnish adjective used to describe a pattern or coloration that is bright and strongly variegated, with high-contrast patches of color. The word is a compound of kirkas (bright) and kirjava (variegated). The form emphasizes vivid, conspicuous color contrasts more than kirjava alone. In usage, it can apply to living creatures, textiles, minerals, or other surfaces with bold, irregular color patterns.

Grammatically, kirkkaankirjava is used as a modifier for a noun, for example kirkkaankirjava lintu or kirkkaankirjava kangas. It is mainly found in descriptive writing, field guides, nature writing, fashion descriptions, and textile catalogs, rather than as a routine everyday term.

Domains and examples of use include describing the plumage or skin patterns of animals (such as birds or fish) that display bright, mottled colors, as well as patterned fabrics, handicrafts, or decorative stones with conspicuous color contrasts. The term conveys a stronger impression of color variety than simpler descriptors like kirjava.

See also: kirjava, kirjavaisuus, kirkas.