English Lexicon

Vermilion

/vərˈmɪl.jən/
nounadjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    A brilliant red or scarlet pigment made from mercuric sulfide, or a vivid red color.

    "The artist used a striking vermilion to capture the warmth of the sunset."

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Synonyms (2)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old French term 'vermeillon', which originates from the Latin 'vermiculus', meaning 'little worm'. This refers specifically to the kermes insect used to create the brilliant red dye in antiquity. Over centuries, the term evolved to describe the vivid reddish-orange color traditionally associated with the cultural pigment sindoor.

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