tincture

¹tinc·ture

noun \ˈtiŋ(k)-chər\

Definition of TINCTURE

1

a archaic : a substance that colors, dyes, or stains

b : color, tint

2

a : a characteristic quality : cast

b : a slight admixture : trace <a tincture of doubt>

3

obsolete : an active principle or extract

4

: a heraldic metal, color, or fur

5

: a solution of a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent

Examples of TINCTURE

1. <a ragged shirt that seemed to be stained with the tincture of blood>

Origin of TINCTURE

Middle English, from Latin tinctura act of dyeing, from tinctus, past participle of tingere to tinge

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TINCTURE

Synonyms

cast, hue, shade, color, tinge, tint, tone

Related Words

overtone, undertone; primary color, secondary color, tertiary color; brightness, chroma, chromaticity, contrast, lightness, saturation, value; coloration, coloring, colorway, pigmentation

Near Antonyms

achromatism

²tincture

transitive verb

tinc·turedtinc·tur·ing \ˈtiŋ(k)-chə-riŋ, -shriŋ\

Definition of TINCTURE

1

: to tint or stain with a color : tinge

2

a : to infuse or instill with a property or entity : impregnate

b : to imbue with a quality : affect <writing tinctured with wit and wisdom>

Examples of TINCTURE

1. <clouds tinctured by the rays of the setting sun>

First Known Use of TINCTURE

1616

Related to TINCTURE

Synonyms

bepaint [archaic], dye, paint, pigment, stain, color, tinge, tint

Antonyms

decolorize

Related Words

brighten, lighten; darken, embrown, tone (down); checker, dapple, daub, fleck, marble, mottle, pattern, polychrome, speck, speckle, streak, striate, stripe, variegate

Near Antonyms

blanch, bleach, whiten

tinc·ture

noun \ˈtiŋ(k)-chər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TINCTURE

: a solution of a medicinal substance in an alcoholic or hydroalcoholic menstruum—compare liquor b