ceruse

noun

ce·​ruse sə-ˈrüs  ˈsir-ˌüs 

1

: white lead as a pigment

2

: a cosmetic containing white lead

Examples of ceruse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Male members of the court of Louis XIV in France painted on beauty marks, while Elizabethan Englishmen powdered their faces with ceruse, a toxic mixture of vinegar and white lead. — New York Times, 10 May 2021

The oak floors were given a ceruse treatment (essentially a lime wash that brings out the wood’s grain). — Janice O'Leary, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2021

Even once these side effects were well known, ceruse remained popular for centuries. — Serah-Marie McMahon, Teen Vogue, 12 Apr. 2019

Since most of us don't have flawless porcelain complexions, the Elizabethans — at least those who could afford it — used a product called ceruse, which was a blend of vinegar and, wait for it, white lead. — Donna Freydkin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2017

This mixture of lead and vinegar that Elizabeth used was known as Venetian ceruse, or the spirits of Saturn. — National Geographic, 22 Sep. 2016

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French céruse, from Latin cerussa

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ceruse

• accrues
• accuse
• aircrews
• amuse
• bamboos
• breakthroughs
• canoes
• cashews
• chartreuse
• confuse
• construes
• defuse

Medical Definition

ceruse

noun

ce·​ruse sə-ˈrüs  ˈsi(ə)r-ˌüs 

1

: white lead as a pigment

2

: a cosmetic containing white lead