carmine

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a variable color averaging a vivid red
  2. verb color carmine
  3. adjective of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

Etymology

PIE word *kʷŕ̥mis From French carmin, from irregular Medieval Latin carminium, itself from Arabic قِرْمِز (qirmiz, “crimson, kermes”) from Persian *کرمست (*kermest), ultimately from Proto-Indo-Iranian *kŕ̥miš (“worm”), plus or with influence from Latin minium. Compare crimson and kermes.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cardinal

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