zaffer

or zaf·fre

[ zaf-er ]

noun

1. an artificial mixture, resembling smalt, containing cobalt oxide and, usually, silica, used to produce a blue color in glass and in ceramic glazes.

zaffer

/ ˈzæfə /

noun

1. impure cobalt oxide, used to impart a blue colour to enamels

Word History and Origins

Origin of zaffer¹

1655–65; < Italian zaffera, perhaps < Latin sapphīra sapphire

Word History and Origins

Origin of zaffer¹

C17: from Italian zaffera; perhaps related to Latin sapphīrus sapphire

Example Sentences

“People are genuinely surprised. That is an understatement,” said Zaffer Khan, a local son and founder of the group One Voice Blackburn, which promotes interfaith ties.

From Washington Post

The sons of Choudhary Aslam Wassan, a popular and charismatic former food business pioneer and political campaigner, Miah Zaffer, the first to die out of the friends on 23 March, and Jawad Iqbal, a businessman and political activist – the youngest of the friends to die – also spoke of their grief.

From The Guardian

Zaffer, a former mill worker, had been retired for a number of years and was described as being “incredibly popular”.

From The Guardian

Constable Zaffer, who also speaks fluent Cantonese, said he was simply following his training.

From BBC

Constable Zaffer's handling of the delicate situation won him praise from superiors - and a social media fanclub.

From BBC