rose madder

noun

1. a pigment derived from anthraquinone and hydrated oxide of aluminum, characterized chiefly by its reddish color and permanence: used in painting. Compare madder lake ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of rose madder¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Cutuli uses the root of “rubia tinctorum,” or rose madder, for the famous Pompeiian red.

From Seattle Times

I love novels, and right now, I’m listening to “Rose Madder,” by Stephen King.

From New York Times

"Christine," "Cujo," "Cycle of the Werewolf," "The Dark Half," "The Dead Zone," "Desperation," "Different Seasons," "Dolores Claiborne," "The Eyes of the Dragon," "Firestarter," "Four Past Midnight," "Gerald’s Game," "IT," "Misery," "Needful Things," "Rose Madder," "Skeleton Crew," "The Tommyknockers."

From Los Angeles Times

The pigment is rose madder, an ancient organic color that conservation studies have shown to fade very gradually in sunlight.

From Slate

Those of you who have read my work—Carrie, Dolores Claiborne, Rose Madder, and Lisey’s Story, to name four—will know that I have plenty of respect for women, and care about the problems and life-situations they face.

From Salon