russet

[ ruhs-it ]

noun

1. yellowish brown, light brown, or reddish brown.
2. a coarse reddish-brown or brownish homespun cloth formerly used for clothing.
3. any of various apples that have a rough brownish skin and ripen in the autumn.
4. a brownish, roughened area on fruit, resulting from diseases, insects, or spraying.
5. russet Burbank.
6. finished leather that is not yet polished or colored.

adjective

1. yellowish-brown, light-brown, or reddish-brown.
2. made of russet.

russet

/ ˈrʌsɪt /

noun

1. brown with a yellowish or reddish tinge
2. 1. a rough homespun fabric, reddish-brown in colour, formerly in use for clothing
   2. ( as modifier )

      a russet coat

3. any of various apples with rough brownish-red skins
4. abnormal roughness on fruit, caused by parasites, pesticides, or frost

adjective

1. (of tanned hide leather) dressed ready for staining
2. archaic.
   simple; homely; rustic

   a russet life

3. of the colour russet

   russet hair

Derived Forms

• ˈrussety, adjective

Other Words From

• russet·ish russet·y adjective
• russet·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of russet¹

1225–75; Middle English < Old French rousset, diminutive of rous reddish brown, red (of hair); roux

Word History and Origins

Origin of russet¹

C13: from Anglo-Norman, from Old French rosset , from rous , from Latin russus ; related to Latin ruber red

Example Sentences

Classic Jewish latkes for Hanukkah are made with russet potatoes, occasionally Yukon golds, and are usually very simply seasoned with salt, pepper and onion.

From Washington Times

The latter are russet potatoes, scored, baked and fried crispy, and served with bravas sauce and garlic aioli.

From Seattle Times

Datasembly measured prices for russet potatoes, roasted turkey gravy, eight buttermilk biscuits, cut green beans, jellied cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix, frozen pastry pie shells, whipped topping and sweet corn.

From Washington Times

His pumpkins appear to be snarling or wailing, and often have bulging eyeballs that he scoops from russet potatoes using a melon baller.

From Seattle Times

Flowers and fruit aside, manzanita bark is the star of the show in early summer, when the russet bark on the muscular limbs peels off, revealing chartreuse new growth underneath.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cardinal
• coral
• crimson
• flaming
• glowing
• maroon
• rose
• wine