How Do You Spell CERUSE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛɹuːs] (IPA)

The word "Ceruse" is a tricky one to spell, but it's phonetically pronounced as /səˈruːs/ with stress on the second syllable. This word has two accepted spellings, which can confuse people at times. One is "Ceruse," which refers to a white pigment made from lead or zinc oxide. The alternate spelling is "Séruce," which is a French word meaning "the art of making various decorative objects using inlaid veneers of wood, metal, etc." When writing or spelling the word "Ceruse," it's vital to double-check which context is being referred to.

CERUSE Meaning and Definition

1. Ceruse, also known as white lead, refers to a lead-based pigment that has been widely used throughout history. In its most basic form, ceruse is a mixture of lead carbonate and lead hydroxide. It is characterized by its bright white color and opaque appearance, making it a popular choice for various applications.

   Historically, ceruse has been utilized in the creation of white paints, cosmetics, and as a foundation powder. It was particularly favored during the Renaissance era and continued to be used until the late 19th century as a beauty product. The lead content in ceruse was known to produce a pale and flawless complexion, which was highly sought after during those times.

   However, it is important to note that ceruse has fallen out of favor due to its high toxicity. Lead is known to be a poisonous substance, particularly if ingested or absorbed through the skin over a prolonged period. The hazardous nature of ceruse has led to its discontinuation in many regions and the adoption of safer alternatives in paints, cosmetics, and other industries.

   In summary, ceruse is a lead-based pigment distinguished by its white color and opacity. It has been used historically for its cosmetic and aesthetic qualities but is now recognized as a hazardous substance due to its lead content.

2. White lead; plumbi carbonas.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. • A kind of paint like wax; white lead.

   • An ore of lead-see under cerate.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CERUSE

• feruse
• cwruse
• csruse
• c3ruse
• ceeuse
• ceduse
• ce5use
• ce4use
• cer7se
• ceruae
• ceruze
• ceruxe
• ceruee
• ceruwe
• cerusw
• ceruss
• cerusd
• cerusr
• cerus4
• Cepuse

Etymology of CERUSE

The word "ceruse" has its origins in French. It comes from the Old French word "cers" or "serz", which referred to a type of white lead used in various applications. This term likely came from the Latin word "cerussa", which ultimately derived from the Greek word "kēroūssa". It is believed that the Greek word emerged from the Phoenician city of Tyre, where a type of white earth used for cosmetics was produced. Over time, "cers" or "serz" in French evolved into "ceruse", which continues to be used to refer to a white pigment or makeup.

Plural form of CERUSE is CERUSES