Word of the Day

: October 28, 2013

amaranthine

adjective am-uh-RANTH-un

What It Means

1 a : of or relating to an amaranth

b : not fading or dying : immortal

2 : being dark reddish purple

amaranthine in Context

"A grass path continued a slow ascent up the hill toward the column, running between two long rows of young but sturdy elms, which in this fine weather looked robust and amaranthine." - From J. P. Morrissey's 2002 novel A Weekend at Blenheim

"At 37-years-old, most players accept they have reached their twilight years, yet goalkeepers can lead an almost amaranthine existence…." - From an article by Chris Tait in The Herald (Glasgow), April 2, 2012

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 words "amarantos," meaning "immortal" or "unfading," and "anthos," meaning "flower." 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, an herb that some consider a weed and others grow for its colorful leaves and spikes of flowers.