kolmivärinen

Kolmivärinen is a Finnish word that translates to "tricolor" or "three-colored" in English. It is used to describe objects, animals, or concepts that possess three distinct colors.

In the context of animals, "kolmivärinen" most commonly refers to female cats that exhibit a calico or tortoiseshell coat pattern. These patterns are characterized by patches of white, black, and orange or red. The genetic inheritance of these colorations is linked to the X chromosome, which is why such tri-colored cats are almost exclusively female. Male calico or tortoiseshell cats are rare and typically sterile, often due to a chromosomal abnormality (XXY).

Beyond felines, the term can be applied to any item or subject that displays three colors. For example, a flag might be described as kolmivärinen if it features three different colored stripes or sections. Similarly, a type of flower or a patterned fabric could be referred to as kolmivärinen if its visual appearance is dominated by three hues. The specific colors involved are not implied by the word itself, only the quantity of distinct colors present.