ocher

or o·chre

[ oh-ker ]

noun

1. any of a class of natural earths, mixtures of hydrated oxide of iron with various earthy materials, ranging in color from pale yellow to orange and red, and used as pigments.
2. the color of this, ranging from pale yellow to an orangish or reddish yellow.
3. Obsolete. money, especially gold coin.

adjective

1. of the color of ocher.

verb (used with object)

, o·chered, o·cher·ing.

1. to color or mark with ocher.

ocher

/ ˈəʊkə; ˈəʊkrɔɪd /

noun

1. the US spelling of ochre

Derived Forms

• ˈocherous, adjective
• ochroid, adjective

Other Words From

• ocher·ous ocher·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ocher¹

1350–1400; Middle English oker < Old French ocre < Latin ōchrā < Greek ṓchrā yellow ocher

Example Sentences

The cat, the ocher paw prints suggest, was more reckless, so residents in Fukuyama have been warned to be careful should they run across it.

From New York Times

Not sure why but what I do know is that these teams hate each ocher.

From Seattle Times

The ocher walls of the West MacDonnell Ranges crowd its southern fringe.

From New York Times

This occurs when a thick glaze contracts during firing into separate little islands on the exposed clay, which Lane often stained with yellow or ocher for greater contrast.

From New York Times

Bettiol will wear the tour leader’s ocher jersey in the first road stage on Wednesday.

From Seattle Times