rose madder

noun

1
2
a
: a pale rose pigment extracted from the madder plant
b
: a similar pigment made now usually from alizarin and hydrated alumina

called also alizarin crimson

compare madder lake sense 2b

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rose madder was in 1835

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near rose madder

Cite this Entry

“Rose madder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rose%20madder. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!