Ultramarine
/ˌʌl.trə.məˈriːn/noun
A deep blue pigment originally made from lapis lazuli, often used in art and decoration.
Did you know?In medieval times, ultramarine was so precious that it was often worth more than gold, making it a symbol of divine power in art.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
ultra marinum
“Beyond the sea, referring to the exotic origins of the pigment.”
Middle Ages
Old French
ultramarin
“Imported from overseas, denoting its rare and precious nature.”
16th Century
Italian
ultramarino
“Of or from beyond the sea, emphasizing its exotic value.”
17th Century
English
ultramarine
“A term adopted to describe the deep blue pigment derived from lapis lazuli.”