vermilion

== English == === Alternative forms === vermillion (more at vermillion § Usage notes) === Etymology === From Middle English vermelioun, vermyloun, vermylon, vermilun, from Old French vermeillon (“vermilion”), from vermeil, from Latin vermiculus (“little worm”), from vermis (“worm”), ultimately in reference to Kermes vermilio, a type of scale insect used to make a crimson dye. Displaced native Old English bōcrēad. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /vəˈmɪl.jən/ (General American) IPA(key): /vɚˈmɪl.jən/ Rhymes: -ɪljən === Noun === vermilion (countable and uncountable, plural vermilions) A vivid red synthetic pigment made of mercury sulfide, cinnabar. A bright orange-red colour. A type of red dye worn in the parting of the hair by married Hindu women. Synonym: sindoor The red skin of the lips or its border with the skin of the face. (obsolete) The kermes or cochineal insect. (obsolete) The cochineal dye made from this insect. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== vermeil ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === vermilion (comparative more vermilion, superlative most vermilion) Having a brilliant red colour. Having the color of the vermilion dye. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== red scarlet vermeil Appendix:Colors === Verb === vermilion (third-person singular simple present vermilions, present participle vermilioning, simple past and past participle vermilioned) (transitive) To color or paint vermilion. === Anagrams === limnivore