Vermilion (vərˈmɪliən) is a vivid shade of red, and the spelling can be tricky due to the unusual combination of letters. The "ver" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, followed by a stress on the second syllable "mil", which is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The last syllable, "ion," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a schwa sound. Overall, it's important to remember that the "i" comes before the "o" in the spelling, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Vermilion is a noun that refers to a bright red color resembling the red pigment made from powdered and purified mercury sulfide. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something of a bright red color or having qualities similar to vermilion.
Originating from the Old French word "vermeillon," meaning "bright red," vermilion has a long history and has been used as a pigment in art and decoration for centuries. It is known for its vivid and intense color, which ranges from orange-red to reddish-brown. Vermilion has been commonly used in paintings, ceramics, textiles, and even cosmetics.
This color obtained its name due to its association with the mineral cinnabar, commonly found in the earth's crust. The mineral was crushed and processed to obtain a fine red powder, which was then used as a pigment. Vermilion was highly valued and sought after due to its vibrant hue and ability to withstand fading over time.
Beyond its artistic use, vermilion also holds cultural and historical significance. It has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine as well as in religious ceremonies in various cultures around the world.
Today, vermilion remains a distinguished color, often associated with energy, passion, and vibrancy. Whether on a canvas, a decorative item, or as a vivid description, vermilion continues to captivate and enrich our world with its striking and enduring presence.
A red pigment formerly made from cinnabar or red mercuric sulphide.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A brilliant red pigment prepared by pulverising the red sulphuret of mercury or cinnabar.
• To cover or tinge with vermilion or any delicate red colour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vermilion" comes from the Old French word "vermellion", which was derived from the Late Latin word "vermiculus". "Vermiculus" meant little worm in Latin and was used to describe the color of the dye that was made from crushed cochineal insects. This intense red pigment resembling the color of blood became known as vermilion.