monochromatism

monochromatism 1 Total inability to perceive color due to the lack of or damage to the cones of the eye that perceive color, or the inability of the nerves to translate information received from the cones. A person with true monochromatism perceives only black, white, and shades of gray. Complete monochromatism is usually an inherited condition. 2 One of the many types of colorblindness that affects perception of certain colors only. See also colorblindness.