amaranthine

adjective

am·​a·​ran·​thine ˌa-mə-ˈran(t)-thən How to pronounce amaranthine (audio)
-ˈran-ˌthīn
1
a
: of or relating to an amaranth
b
2
: of the color amaranth

Did you know?

Long ago poets conceived of a flower that did not fade and christened it amaranth. The appellation is rooted in the Greek word amarantos, meaning "immortal" or "unfading," and amarantus, the Latin name of a flower (probably Celosia cristata). The word amaranthine emerged as an adjective of the imaginary flower and subsequently of anything possessing its undying quality. Amaranth also names a real plant (genus Amaranthus), an herb that some consider a weed and others grow for its colorful leaves and spikes of flowers.

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of amaranthine was in 1667

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Cite this Entry

“Amaranthine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amaranthine. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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