Scarlet

Origin

Old French escarlate ("a type of cloth"), from Medieval Latin scarlatum ("scarlet cloth"), from Persian سقرلات (saqerlât, "a warm woollen cloth"), of uncertain origin.

Full definition of scarlet

Noun

1. A bright red, slightly orange colour.
2. Cloth of a scarlet color.
• Bible, Proverbs xxxi. 21All her household are clothed with scarlet.

Adjective

1. Of a bright 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.
2. Sinful or whorish.a scarlet woman

Derived terms

Verb

1. To dye or tinge with scarlet.
• FordThe ashy paleness of my cheek
  Is scarleted in ruddy flakes of wrath.

Anagrams

• cartels
• clarets