But the Latin root that was adopted for their name isn't a linguistic nuisance; it played an important role in the development of piebald. The pie of piebald (pie is another name for a magpie) derives from pica, which is Latin for "magpie." Dogs that may have a spotted or multicolored coat, are often called piebald if their body is almost entirely white or another solid color with spotting and patches on the head and neck. PIEBALD definition: having patches of black and white or of other colors; parti-colored.

Context Explanation

See examples of piebald used in a sentence. Piebald Dachshund is one of the most striking Dachshund patterns, which features a white or cream coat with patches and spots in another, darker color. The piebald pattern is caused by a genetic mutation that results in an overabundance of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. The term piebald describes a distinctive pattern of coat, feather, or skin coloration characterized by unpigmented white patches against a background of normal, pigmented color.

Insight Material

This two-toned look is seen across a wide variety of species, from domesticated animals to wildlife. It is not grey; it is piebald, and, on the whole, the dark patches are less prominent this year than last. piebald (adj.) "of two different colors, having spots or patches of white and black or another color," 1580s, formed from pie (n.2) "magpie" + bald in its older sense of "spotted, white;" in reference to the black-and-white plumage of the magpie. Dogs like Dalmatians and some beagles exhibit piebald patterns, and it is also observed in cats, cattle, and wild animals such as deer, foxes, and snakes. The skin underneath the white fur or feathers is unpigmented, appearing pinkish.

Final Conclusion