cudbear

noun

cud·bear ˈkəd-ˌber

: a reddish coloring matter from lichens

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Dr. Cuthbert Gordon, 18th century Scottish chemist

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cudbear was in 1764

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cudbear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cudbear. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

cudbear

noun

cud·bear ˈkəd-ˌba(ə)r, -ˌbe(ə)r

: a reddish coloring matter from lichens that is sometimes considered a form of archil and is used in coloring pharmaceutical preparations

Word of the Day

golem

Listen to the pronunciation of golem

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Which Came First?

hot take or cold shoulder?

cold shoulder hot take

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY