'discoloration' originates from the Latin word 'discolorare,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'colorare' meant 'to color.'

'discolorare' transformed into the Old French word 'descolorer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'discoloration' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to change color,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a change in color, often undesirable.'