How Do You Spell GAMBOGE?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈambə͡ʊd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The word "gamboge" is spelled /ɡæmˈboʊdʒ/. It is a yellow pigment composed of resinous exudates from trees found mainly in Southeast Asia. The word itself comes from the Portuguese "gambogio," which was derived from the Latin "gummigutta," meaning "latex of gambogia tree." The spelling may appear complex, but it follows a consistent pattern of using the letter "g" followed by the letter "a" to create the hard "g" sound, followed by a combination of letters to represent the "bo" and "ge" sounds.

GAMBOGE Meaning and Definition

  1. Gamboge is a noun that refers to a bright yellow pigment derived from the resin of certain trees belonging to the genus Garcinia. The word "gamboge" can also be used to describe the color of this pigment, which is a deep, vivid yellow or orange. This pigment has been widely used in art, especially in watercolors, where it lends intensity and vibrancy to the artwork.

    The gamboge pigment is obtained by extracting the resin from the trees' trunks. The collected resin is then dried, processed, and ground into a fine powder or small solid blocks, ready to be used as a coloring agent. The use of gamboge dates back centuries and has been employed in various traditional and contemporary artistic practices.

    Apart from its artistic application, gamboge has also played a role in traditional medicine. It has been utilized as a laxative and purgative, primarily due to its active compounds, such as gambogic acid.

    The term "gamboge" finds its origins in a French word which was derived from Portuguese "gambôja," which in turn is thought to have its roots in a Malay word. This reflects its historical association with Southeast Asia, where the Garcinia trees are native and the pigment has long been produced and traded.

    In summary, gamboge is a brilliant yellow pigment derived from the resin of Garcinia trees. It is used primarily in art for its vibrant coloration, and it holds historical and cultural significance in various regions around the world.

  2. Cambogia.

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

  3. A yellow gum-resin used as a pigment, and in medicine as a drastic and nauseating purge.

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

Common Misspellings for GAMBOGE

Etymology of GAMBOGE

The word "gamboge" comes from the Old Spanish word "goma-guta", which means "guttapercha". Guttapercha refers to a rubber-like substance derived from the sap of several trees, primarily those belonging to the genus Palaquium in Southeast Asia. In the 16th century, when the substance was introduced to Europe, it was named "gambogium" or "gamboge" after the Cambodian port "Cambogie" (modern-day Cambodia), which served as a major trading center for guttapercha. The word "gamboge" eventually became associated with a yellow pigment made from gamboge resin and was adopted into the English language in the 17th century.

Similar spelling words for GAMBOGE

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