Pronunciation: [ˌʊltɹɐməɹˈiːn] (IPA) 
The word "ultramarine" is spelled as /ʌl.trə.məˈrin/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "u" sound, followed by the "l" sound and the "tr" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a soft "uh" sound, followed by the "m" sound and the long "a" sound. The third syllable is pronounced with the "r" sound, the "ih" sound, and the "n" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with the long "e" sound and the "n" sound.
Ultramarine is a noun that refers to a brilliant blue pigment or color that is often used in painting. This word is derived from Latin, with "ultra" meaning "beyond" and "marinus" meaning "of the sea." The term ultramarine originally referred to a blue pigment that was made by grinding up the semi-precious gemstone lapis lazuli, which was predominantly sourced from mines in Afghanistan. This pigment was highly valued and sought after by artists in various parts of the world, as it had a rich, vibrant blue color that was unmatched by any other pigment at the time.
In modern usage, ultramarine generally refers to a vivid, deep blue color that resembles the color of the sky on a clear day. It is often associated with feelings of serenity, peace, and tranquility. Ultramarine is widely used in the field of art, particularly in oil painting and watercolor. It has various applications in creating vibrant blue skies, bodies of water, and clothing in artworks. In addition to its artistic value, ultramarine is also used in the production of textiles, plastics, and cosmetics.
Overall, ultramarine is a term that refers to a distinct and intense blue color, often used in the creative arts, that carries historical significance in the world of painting due to its origins as a rare and precious pigment made from lapis lazuli.
• Situated beyond the sea; foreign.
• A blue pigment of great beauty and permanence; prepared from the lapis lazuli, the finest specimens being brought from China and Further Asia, hence the name-now artificially prepared.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ultramarine" originates from Latin and literally means "beyond the sea" or "overseas". The "ultra-" prefix in Latin signifies "beyond", and "marinus" refers to "the sea". It was first used in the English language during the late 14th century to describe a deep blue pigment that was imported from beyond the seas, primarily from the region of Afghanistan and Persia. The pigment was highly valued in medieval Europe for its intense blue color and was used in paintings, manuscripts, and textiles. As the term became associated with this specific pigment, it eventually evolved to describe the color itself.
