Gamboge
/ɡæmˈboʊdʒ/noun
A deep yellow to orange-yellow pigment obtained from the resin of certain Southeast Asian trees.
Did you know?Gamboge entered English through European trade names tied to Cambodia/Khmer regions, and its vivid resin became famous in painting, printing, and even traditional medicine.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit / early regional trade
Indic
gambhōja / related regional forms
“A regional name associated with the Southeast Asian source area of the resin”
Medieval trade routes
Khmer / regional
kâmpŭchéa / Kampuchea
“The Cambodia region, source of the exported resin”
16th–17th century
Portuguese
gamboge
“A yellow resinous pigment imported from Southeast Asia”
17th century
English
gamboge
“A vivid yellow pigment used in painting and dyeing”
Modern English
English
gamboge
“A strong yellow-orange pigment or color”