monochromatic

Monochromatic is an adjective describing something that consists of a single color or a single wavelength of light. The term derives from Greek monos "single" and chroma "color". In common usage, monochromatic can refer to light with a very narrow spectral bandwidth, or to images, designs, and artworks that express variations within one color family.

In optics and physics, monochromatic light contains nearly one wavelength. Practical sources include lasers and light filtered by a monochromator; natural light is not truly monochromatic but can be approximated by selecting a narrow band. Real monochromatic sources still have a finite bandwidth and may exhibit coherence properties dependent on spectral purity.

In art, photography, and graphic design, a monochromatic composition uses only one hue or a single color family, with variations in value, saturation, or tint. A grayscale image is a common form of monochrome, while a tinted monochrome uses a single color applied across tonal variations.

Applications span science and industry: spectroscopy and calibration rely on monochromatic light; imaging and display systems optimize color purity; aesthetic choices in branding or interior design employ monochromatic palettes for visual coherence.

Monochromatic is often contrasted with polychromatic, which involves multiple colors or wavelengths.