The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word PALES
P
A
L
E
S
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The straight part
We know that "Loses colour" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case loses colour = pales.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PALES mean?
PALES verb- To turn pale; to lose colour.
- To become insignificant.
- To make pale; to diminish the brightness of.
- To enclose with pales, or as if with pales; to encircle or encompass; to fence off.
- A wooden stake; a picket.
- Fence made from wooden stake; palisade.
- (by extension) Limits, bounds (especially before of).
- The bounds of morality, good behaviour or judgment in civilized company, in the phrase beyond the pale.
- A vertical band down the middle of a shield.
- A territory or defensive area within a specific boundary or under a given jurisdiction.
- The jurisdiction (territorial or otherwise) of an authority.
- A cheese scoop.
- A shore for bracing a timber before it is fastened.