animal black

noun

1. any of various black pigments, as boneblack or ivory black, obtained from calcined animal matter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of animal black¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

If the heating of the animal black exceeds 500° the product hardens, diminishes in volume, and loses its porosity.

From Project Gutenberg

If the citric acid is not sufficiently white, it is decolorised by digestion with animal black.

From Project Gutenberg

When burnt, it gave an animal black as deep in colour as that from recent bone.

From Project Gutenberg