Piceous
/ˈpɪs.i.əs/noun
Resembling or having the color of pitch; usually deep black or brownish-black.
Did you know?Its Latin ancestor was connected with pix, or pitch—a sticky, combustible resin historically used for waterproofing, sealing, torches, and protective coatings.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pik-
“Pitch or resin; the reconstructed source associated with sticky natural substances.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πίσσα (pissa)
“Pitch or bitumen, a dark, sticky substance.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pix
“Pitch, especially resin obtained from trees.”
Classical Latin
Latin
piceus
“Of pitch; pitch-colored or resembling pitch.”
17th Century
English
piceous
“Resembling pitch, particularly in color or appearance.”
Modern English
English
piceous
“Pitch-black, pitch-like, or made from pitch.”
Explore more surprising origins