cinnabar

[ sin-uh-bahr ]

noun

1. a mineral, mercuric sulfide, HgS, occurring in red crystals or masses: the principal ore of mercury.
2. red mercuric sulfide, used as a pigment.
3. bright red; vermillion.

cinnabar

/ ˈsɪnəˌbɑː /

noun

1. a bright red or brownish-red mineral form of mercuric sulphide (mercury(II) sulphide), found close to areas of volcanic activity and hot springs. It is the main commercial source of mercury. Formula: HgS. Crystal structure: hexagonal
2. the red form of mercuric sulphide (mercury(II) sulphide), esp when used as a pigment
3. a bright red to reddish-orange; vermilion
4. a large red-and-black European moth, Callimorpha jacobaeae: family Arctiidae (tiger moths, etc)

Other Words From

• cin·na·bar·ine [sin, -, uh, -b, uh, -reen, -ber-in, -bahr-ahyn, -een], cin·na·bar·ic [sin-, uh, -, bar, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnabar¹

1350–1400; < Latin cinnabaris < Greek kinnábari < ?; replacing Middle English cynoper < Medieval Latin, Latin as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnabar¹

C15: from Old French cenobre, from Latin cinnābaris, from Greek kinnabari, of Oriental origin

Example Sentences

Egyptians thought green copper ore helped eye inflammation, the Chinese used cinnabar for heartburn, and Native Americans used clay to reduce soreness and inflammation.

From Science Daily

With a microscope, the researchers also found a rust reddish pigment on the ornaments—likely cinnabar or hematite that were sprinkled or painted on the bodies of deceased royals as part of burial rites.

From Science Magazine

Her house's door and window is painted red after the colouring of the cinnabar ore.

From Reuters

Never mind the adjective, I was mercury: quicksilver, Hg, hydrargyrum, ore of cinnabar, resistant to herding, incapable of assuming a fixed form.

From Salon

The latest clothes on her website come in a muted color palette of shades like ecru, cinnabar and rye.

From Seattle Times