D

Darkness

Daylight locus

Delta E (DE)
The distance between two colours, calculated from a colour difference formula. Normally represented by capital greek letter 'D' as follows: DE. The Delta sign is used in mathematics to define the difference between two values and the 'E' is derived from the german word for sensation Empfindung. Delta E literally means difference in sensation. If a superscript asterisk is added DE^*, this tells us that the Delta E is obtained from the CIELab formula.

Depth of colour

Deuteranomalous vision

Deuteranopia

Device dependent

Device independent

Dichroic

Dichromatism

Diffuse illumination

Diffuse (Reflection)
Where the incidend light is reflected at all angles from a surface without any specular component.

Diffuser (perfect reflecting)

DIN (colour chart)

Dominant wavelength

Dye
A soluble colorant, as opposed to a pigment, which is not generally soluble.