BISTRE Meaning and
Definition
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Bistre is a noun that refers to a color or pigment typically associated with a dark brown or grayish-brown shade. Derived from the French word for "dark brown," bistre has been used in various artistic contexts, particularly in the field of painting.
In painting, bistre usually refers to a brownish pigment that was historically obtained from the soot of burned wood, typically beechwood. This pigment was commonly used by artists in the 16th to 18th centuries to create sepia-like tones in their artworks. The bistre pigment, when mixed with water, created a transparent and warm brown hue, often employed for washes, drawings, and ink-like effects.
Beyond its use in painting, bistre can also describe any color that closely resembles this dark brown shade. It is often associated with old photographs, antique prints, and historical documents that have become yellowed or faded over time. Bistre is known for its ability to evoke a sense of antiquity and nostalgia, lending a vintage or aged appearance to visual materials.
In contemporary contexts, bistre may also be used metaphorically to describe an environment, situation, or mood that is characterized by a gloomy, somber, or dull atmosphere, reminiscent of the dark brown shade it represents.
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A brown paint made from wood-soot.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BISTRE
- vistre
- nistre
- histre
- gistre
- bustre
- bjstre
- bkstre
- bostre
- b9stre
- b8stre
- biatre
- biztre
- bixtre
- bidtre
- bietre
- biwtre
- bisrre
- bisfre
- bisgre
Etymology of BISTRE
The word "bistre" originates from the French word "bistre", which dates back to the 17th century. It is derived from the Latin word "bistrius" or "bustrum", which means "yellowish-brown". In its earliest usage, "bistre" referred to a particular shade of brown pigment obtained from the soot of burnt beechwood. Over time, the term expanded its meaning to include drawings or paintings made using this color. Nowadays, the word "bistre" is primarily used to describe a shade of medium to dark yellowish-brown color.
Similar spelling words for BISTRE
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