Indian red

noun

1. earth of a yellowish-red color, found especially in the Persian Gulf, that serves as a pigment and as a polish for gold and silver objects.
2. a pigment of that color prepared by oxidizing the salts of iron.

Indian red

noun

1. a red pigment containing ferric oxide, used in paints and cosmetics and produced by oxidizing iron salts
2. a type of red soil containing ferric oxide, found in S Asia and used as a pigment and metal polish

Word History and Origins

Origin of Indian red¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

String a large Indian-red bead on each end and tie a knot to keep it from falling off.

From Project Gutenberg

The boy's complexion ran through the palette, and subsided from a dull Indian-red to a sickly Nile-green.

From Project Gutenberg

The prevailing color is ruddy Indian-red, relieved by deep blue and black, while brighter tints show here and there.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr Rokens flushed a deep Indian-red, and his nose assumed a warm blue colour instantly.

From Project Gutenberg

The dark-skinned captain became Indian-red in the face from suppressed laughter.

From Project Gutenberg