alizarin crimson

noun

: rose madder sense 2b
Orr often primes her canvases with lead white, which she says creates a luminosity underneath the paint. She uses small sable brushes and a palette that includes titanium white, … alizarin crimson, … and yellow ochre.M. Stephen Doherty, American Artist, December 1992

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alizarin crimson was in 1893

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near alizarin crimson

Cite this Entry

“Alizarin crimson.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alizarin%20crimson. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!