Fucation
/fjuːˈkeɪʃən/noun
The application of artificial color or cosmetics, especially to the face.
Did you know?The Latin fucus meant both “red cosmetic pigment” and “seaweed,” linking ancient face paint to red algae used as a dye.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European / Ancient Greek
Greek
φῦκος (phŷkos)
“Red seaweed or a red dye made from it”
Classical Latin
Latin
fucus
“Red cosmetic pigment; later also seaweed”
Classical Latin
Latin
fucāre
“To paint, dye, or disguise with cosmetics”
Late Latin
Latin
fūcātiō
“The act of applying artificial color or cosmetic adornment”
17th Century
English
fucation
“Artificial coloring or cosmetic decoration, especially of the face”
Modern English
English
fucation
“A rare or obsolete term for cosmetic coloring or deceptive embellishment”