alizarin

[ uh-liz-er-in ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a solid appearing reddish-orange as crystals and brownish-yellow as powder, C 14 H 8 O 4 , one of the earliest known dyes, formerly obtained in its natural state from madder and now derived from anthraquinone: used chiefly in the synthesis of other dyes.

alizarin

/ əˈlɪzərɪn /

noun

1. a brownish-yellow powder or orange-red crystalline solid used as a dye and in the manufacture of other dyes. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CO) 2 C 6 H 2 (OH) 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of alizarin¹

1825–35; < French alizarine, equivalent to alizar ( i ) (< Spanish < Arabic al the + ʿaṣārah juice) + -ine -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of alizarin¹

C19: probably from French alizarine, probably from Arabic al-’asārah the juice, from ’asara to squeeze

Example Sentences

From this product the alizarin is separated in the usual way by precipitation with an acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Another method for the preparation of alizarin has been patented by Dale and Schorlemmer.

From Project Gutenberg

Several other patents have been taken out for the preparation of artificial alizarin.

From Project Gutenberg

Anthrapurpurin has about the same affinity for mordants as alizarin.

From Project Gutenberg

By heating alizarin blue with strong sulphuric acid, it is converted into alizarin green.

From Project Gutenberg