The characteristic of a color that defines its intensity or vividness is known as its saturation. It represents the purity of the color, indicating the absence of gray or white. A high value indicates a strong, intense color, while a low value represents a dull or muted color. For example, a bright, pure red has high saturation, while a faded, grayish red has low saturation.
Saturation plays a crucial role in visual perception and aesthetics. It influences how attention is drawn to specific elements within a design or artwork. Colors with high saturation tend to be more eye-catching and stimulating, often employed to highlight key information or evoke strong emotions. Historically, artists have manipulated saturation to create depth, contrast, and visual interest in their works, using it to emphasize certain aspects and subdue others.