Yellowing

Yellowing refers to the process or the result of something turning yellow, often due to aging, exposure to sunlight, chemical reactions, or decay. It's a visual indicator that signifies a change in color, generally from a more vibrant or original hue to a yellowish tint or shade. The process implies a gradual or progressive alteration and can affect a wide range of materials, including paper, textiles, plants, and human skin. It's a common phenomenon, often signaling a degradation or change in the physical or chemical composition of the affected item.

Yellowing meaning with examples

• The antique book’s pages showed considerable yellowing, a testament to its age and prolonged exposure to light and air. Each page was brittle with age, revealing the secrets of years gone by in the ink-stained lines, adding to the vintage allure and charm. The yellowing was most pronounced at the edges, where dust and sunlight had taken their toll, providing clues to the environment in which it had survived.
• The old photograph suffered noticeable yellowing, dulling the vibrant colors and the crisp details it once held. The faces of my grandparents appeared in faint view under the yellowed veil of time, as the quality of the paper deteriorated over the years. The yellowing gave a nostalgic feel to the photo but obscured some of the finer points. Despite this deterioration, it provided me with a priceless connection to my family's past.
• The once-white curtains exhibited significant yellowing after years hanging in the sunny window. This transformation created a stark contrast against the clean, neutral walls, altering the overall aesthetic of the room. The effect was a direct result of sun damage and the breakdown of the fabric's fibers. I will be replacing these curtains soon to restore the room back to it's former elegance.
• The leaves on the maple tree started yellowing prematurely, likely due to a nutrient deficiency or disease. This change suggested an underlying issue impacting the tree's health and viability. The vibrant green of summer gave way to the less desirable hues of Autumn before it was time, as the leaves began falling. This made us think of the health of the tree and when it should be inspected.