bistre

or bis·ter

[ bis-ter ]

noun

1. a brown pigment extracted from the soot of wood, often used in pen and wash drawings.
2. a yellowish to dark-brown color.

bistre

/ ˈbɪstə /

noun

1. a transparent water-soluble brownish-yellow pigment made by boiling the soot of wood, used for pen and wash drawings
2. 1. a yellowish-brown to dark brown colour
   2. ( as modifier )

      bistre paint

Other Words From

• bistred adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistre¹

1720–30; < French, Middle French, of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bistre¹

C18: from French, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

St. Jerome: Leonardo da Vinci, painted in bistre.

From Project Gutenberg

The resulting tints were very delicate in detail, of a colour varying between a bistre and olive tint, and after washing dried with a brilliant surface.

From Project Gutenberg

In the morning, the chatelaine looked much the same as usual, but for the circle of bistre round her eyes, which had grown deeper, giving an air of lassitude.

From Project Gutenberg

The eyes were unduly large, and, surrounded with bistre circles, glistened with feverish lustre.

From Project Gutenberg

A very singular drawing in pen and ink and bistre.

From Project Gutenberg