amarillado

Amarillado is the state or result of turning yellow. In Spanish it functions as both a noun and an adjective, used to describe objects, surfaces, or tissues that acquire a yellow tint. The term derives from amarillar, meaning “to yellow.” It is commonly applied in scientific, conservation, agricultural, and everyday contexts to denote a color change rather than a specific diagnosis.

In materials and preservation, amarillado refers to the yellowing of items such as paper, wood, textiles, or plastics. Causes include chemical changes (often oxidation of lignin in paper), exposure to ultraviolet light, heat, and environmental pollutants. Conservation efforts seek to slow or reverse amarillado through proper storage, UV protection, and deacidification when appropriate.

In botany and horticulture, amarillado describes a symptom where leaves or other plant parts turn yellow. It can result from nutrient deficiencies (for example iron chlorosis or nitrogen deficiency), water stress, or disease. It is a descriptive sign rather than a diagnosis, guiding further investigation to identify and address the underlying cause.

In health contexts, amarillado can be used to describe yellowing observed in clinical settings, such as teeth discoloration due to aging, staining, or medications, and, in broader discussions, skin or tissue yellowing associated with specific medical conditions. In everyday language, it is most commonly encountered as a description of aesthetic changes to color rather than a clinical term.