annatto

[ uh-nat-oh, uh-nah-toh ]

noun

, plural an·nat·tos.

1. Also called lip·stick tree [lip, -stik tree]. a small tree, Bixa orellana, of tropical America.
2. Also ar·nat·to []. a yellowish-red dye obtained from the pulp enclosing the seeds of this tree, used for coloring fabrics, butter, varnish, etc.

annatto

/ əˈnætəʊ /

noun

1. a small tropical American tree, Bixa orellana, having red or pinkish flowers and pulpy seeds that yield a dye: family Bixaceae
2. the yellowish-red dye obtained from the pulpy outer layer of the coat of the seeds of this tree, used for colouring fabrics, butter, varnish, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of annatto¹

Borrowed into English from Carib around 1675–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of annatto¹

from Carib

Example Sentences

I watch—and try to stay out of the way of hot pots and scalding dishes—as chef Sandra Helena Barbosa quickly pours oil, tomatoes, onion, lemon, salt, garlic, coriander, and a type of orange-red seed paste called annatto into a special clay pot that she leaves to bubble over high heat for about 15 minutes.

From National Geographic

He has developed a consommé just for his goat birria, one simmered overnight with water, bones, guajillo peppers, annatto seeds, cinnamon, paprika and more.

From Washington Post

Bubbling inside that cauldron is a heady, 17-plus-ingredient stew that includes chiles, ground annatto seeds, cinnamon and banana leaves briefly fried in brisket fat.

From Washington Post

Saffron is used now, a welcome change from the annatto that used to dye the rice without adding much flavor.

From New York Times

And she’d seen dimples of red oil, which indicated annatto.

From New York Times