blackness

From Middle English blaknesse, equivalent to black +‎ -ness.

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈblæknəs/

• Audio (UK)

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blackness (usually uncountable, plural blacknesses)

1. The state or quality of being black in colour.

   The blackness of outer space comes from the lack of anything to reflect light rather than the absence of light.

2. The quality of being evil or dismal.
   • 1861, Anthony Trollope, Framley Parsonage

     She had seen so much of the blacker side of human nature that blackness no longer startled her as it should do.

3. The state of being of African descent.
   • 2018, David Betancourt, ‘Black Panther’ fully embraces its blackness -- and that's what makes it unforgettable, The Washington Post:

     “Black Panther” is a stunning visual and cultural achievement that takes superhero cinema where it’s never gone before by not being afraid to embrace its blackness.

4. The experiences and culture of African-American people.

• whiteness

• blackenedness
• blackishness