Parian

[ pair-ee-uhn, par- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Paros, noted for its white marble.
2. noting or pertaining to a fine, unglazed porcelain resembling this marble.
3. of, relating to, or resembling a native or inhabitant of Paros.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Paros.
2. Parian ware.

Parian

/ ˈpɛərɪən /

adjective

1. denoting or relating to a fine white marble mined in classical times in Paros
2. denoting or relating to a fine biscuit porcelain used mainly for statuary
3. of or relating to Paros

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Paros
2. Parian marble
3. Parian porcelain

Word History and Origins

Origin of Parian¹

1630–40; < Latin Pari ( us ) of Paros + -an

Example Sentences

Cade Parian and Ryan Farmer of Parian Lawyers, who represented Mr. Walker, said in a statement on Tuesday that Mr. Walker wanted to stay focused on running his small business.

From New York Times

It gave him a strange, off-kilter appearance, like a Parian bust that had slumped during kilning due to some internal imbalance.

From Literature

Yet it was merely a very pretty drawing-room, and within it a boudoir, both spread with white carpets, on which seemed laid brilliant garlands of flowers; both ceiled with snowy mouldings of white grapes and vine-leaves, beneath which glowed in rich contrast crimson couches and ottomans; while the ornaments on the pale Parian mantelpiece were of sparkling Bohemian glass, ruby red; and between the windows large mirrors repeated the general blending of snow and fire.

From Literature

“Spray the brush, then use a paper towel to work through,” said Oquendo, who favors the cleaners by Parian Spirit and Cinema Secrets.

From Washington Post

Skeptics of polychromy question why Greek and Roman artists would have sculpted with such beautiful materials—Parian marble, which was commonly used, has a prized translucence—and then painted over the surface, or bedazzled it with gilt and jewels.

From The New Yorker