Definition of BLACKNESS

blackness

Meanings

Plural: blacknesses

Noun

  • the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)
  • total absence of light
  • The state or quality of being black in colour.
  • Any space that such colour pervades.
  • Darkness, gloominess; depression.
  • The quality of being evil or dismal.
  • The state of being of African descent.
  • The experiences and culture of African-American people.

Origin / Etymology

Inherited from Middle English blaknesse, equivalent to black + -ness. Sense 5 most likely both originated from the masque The Masque of Blackness by Ben Jonson and later changed to its current positive sense.

Synonyms

black, inkiness, lightlessness, pitch blackness, total darkness

Scrabble Score: 17

blackness is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
blackness is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
blackness is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

blackness is a valid Words With Friends word