ultramarine

[ uhl-truh-muh-reen ]

adjective

1. of the color ultramarine.
2. beyond the sea.

noun

1. a blue pigment consisting of powdered lapis lazuli.
2. a similar artificial blue pigment.
3. any of various other pigments.
4. a deep-blue color.

ultramarine

/ ˌʌltrəməˈriːn /

noun

1. a blue pigment consisting of sodium and aluminium silicates and some sodium sulphide, obtained by powdering natural lapis lazuli or made synthetically: used in paints, printing ink, plastics, etc
2. a vivid blue colour

adjective

1. of the colour ultramarine
2. from across the seas

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultramarine¹

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin ultrāmarīnus, equivalent to Latin ultrā ultra- + marīnus marine

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultramarine¹

C17: from Medieval Latin ultramarinus, from ultrā beyond (see ultra- ) + mare sea; so called because the lapis lazuli from which the pigment was made was imported from Asia

Example Sentences

There was even a dash of ultramarine, too—a brighter blue than her eyes—and her heart began to beat quite another tune.

From Project Gutenberg

The colour of ultramarine is brought out by successive heatings.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, ultramarine is not always entitled to the whole of this commendation.

From Project Gutenberg

Three are mentioned by Cennino—indigo, a cobalt, and ultramarine.

From Project Gutenberg

A deep ultramarine, shading up into a soft purple hue, blends in a colour-scheme with the lilac plateau.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blue-green