Vermilion

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /vɜː(ɹ)ˈmɪl.jÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -ɪljÉ™n

Alternative forms

• vermillion (considered a misspelling by some authorities)

Origin

From French vermeil ("vermilion"), from Latin vermiculus ("little worm"), from vermis ("worm"), ultimately in reference to , a type of scale insect used to make a crimson dye.

Full definition of vermilion

Noun

1. A vivid red synthetic pigment made of mercury sulfide.
2. A vivid red or slightly orange colour.
3. A type of red dye worn in the parting of the hair by married Hindu women.
4. A red skin of the lip or its border with the skin of the face.

Adjective

1. Having a brilliant red colour.
2. Having the color of the vermilion dye.

Verb

1. (transitive) To color or paint vermilion.

Anagrams

• limnivore