alizarin

noun

aliz·​a·​rin ə-ˈli-zə-rən How to pronounce alizarin (audio)
1
: an orange or red crystalline compound C14H8O4 formerly prepared from madder and now made synthetically and used especially to dye Turkey reds and in making red pigments
2
: any of various acid, mordant, and solvent dyes derived like alizarin proper from anthraquinone

Word History

Etymology

probably from French alizarine

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alizarin was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near alizarin

Cite this Entry

“Alizarin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alizarin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alizarin

noun
aliz·​a·​rin ə-ˈliz-ə-rən How to pronounce alizarin (audio)
: a compound of orange or red crystals that is used as a red dye and in making red pigments

Medical Definition

alizarin

noun
aliz·​a·​rin ə-ˈliz-ə-rən How to pronounce alizarin (audio)
variants also alizarine
1
: an orange or red crystalline compound C14H8O4 formerly prepared from madder and now made synthetically from anthraquinone that was formerly used in dyeing but is now used more in making red pigments
2
: any of a group of dyes that are similar to alizarin in dyeing properties or derivation

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