Vermilion
/vɜːrˈmɪl.jən/noun
A bright red pigment or color, traditionally made from mercuric sulfide.
Did you know?Vermilion entered English through the color name for a brilliant red pigment, but its deeper history likely runs back to Latin vermiculus, “little worm,” the same root behind words tied to worms and even crimson-dye traditions.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
vermiculus
“little worm”
Old French
Old French
vermeillon
“bright red; vermilion pigment”
Middle English
English
vermilion
“a bright red pigment or color”
Modern English
English
vermilion
“a vivid scarlet-red color or pigment”
Explore more surprising origins