cudbear

noun

cud·​bear ˈkəd-ˌber How to pronounce cudbear (audio)
: 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

Rhymes for cudbear

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Browse Nearby Words

Cudahy
cudbear
cudden
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Cite this Entry

“Cudbear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cudbear. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

cudbear

noun
cud·​bear ˈkəd-ˌba(ə)r, -ˌbe(ə)r How to pronounce cudbear (audio)
: a reddish coloring matter from lichens that is sometimes considered a form of archil and is used in coloring pharmaceutical preparations

More from Merriam-Webster on cudbear

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cudbear

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