Crimson

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkrɪmzÉ™n/

Origin

From Spanish, from Arabic قرمز, from Persian کرمست, from Middle Persian, from Sanskrit.

Full definition of crimson

Noun

1. A deep, slightly bluish red.
• Arthur Conan DoyleTo my horror I perceived that the yellow blossoms were all dabbled with crimson.

Adjective

1. Having a deep red colour.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 5, Breezes blowing from beds of iris quickened her breath with their perfume ; … ; she saw a crimson cardinal winging through the foliage, and amorous tanagers flashing like scarlet flames athwart the pines.
• Mervyn Peake, GormenghastHer crimson dress inflames grey corridors, or flaring in a sunshaft through high branches makes of the deep green shadows a greenness darker yet, and a darkness greener.
2. Having loose morals.

Derived terms

• crimson lake

Verb

1. to blush
• 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses (novel) Chapter 13Gerty MacDowell bent down her head and crimsoned at the idea of Cissy saying an unladylike thing like that out loud she'd be ashamed of her life to say, flushing a deep rosy red, and Edy Boardman said she was sure the gentleman opposite heard what she said. But not a pin cared Ciss.
2. To dye with crimson or deep red; to redden.
• ShakespeareSigned in thy spoil and crimsoned in thy lethe.

Related terms

• kermes
• carmine

Anagrams

• microns