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Verdigris Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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verdigris

[หˆvษœหrdษชษกriหs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

greenish-blue pigment

Verdigris is a green or bluish patina formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces exposed to the atmosphere for long periods of time. It is a compound of copper, oxygen, and carbonates, and is often valued for its decorative appearance.

Synonyms

greenish-blue pigment, patina.

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Word Description / Examples
verdigris

Often used in art, chemistry, and antique contexts to refer specifically to the greenish-blue coating that forms on copper, brass, or bronze due to oxidation.

  • The statue had a beautiful verdigris that gave it a timeless feel.
  • Artists sometimes use verdigris to achieve a unique greenish-blue shade in their paintings.
patina

Used to describe the surface appearance or texture fashioned by age on materials like metal, wood, or stone. It is often associated with a sense of history and natural beauty. Can sometimes have a positive connotation indicating antiquity and authenticity.

  • The old bronze vase developed a rich patina over the years, adding to its charm.
  • Collectors highly value items with an authentic patina because it shows their age and history.
greenish-blue pigment

Commonly used in artistic contexts to refer to pigments used for painting, coloring, or dyeing that have a greenish-blue hue.

  • She mixed a greenish-blue pigment to create the perfect shade for the ocean in her painting.
  • The fabric was dyed with a greenish-blue pigment, giving it a vibrant and unique color.

Examples of usage

  • Over time, the copper roof developed a beautiful verdigris patina.
  • The statue in the park had patches of verdigris on its surface.
Context #2 | Noun

poisonous green pigment

Verdigris can also refer to a green or bluish poisonous pigment containing copper acetate. This pigment was historically used in paintings, but its toxic properties led to its decline in popularity.

Synonyms

copper acetate pigment, poisonous green pigment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
verdigris

Generally used interchangeably with verdigris, often in historical or chemical contexts to describe the same substance.

  • After years of exposure to the elements, the old weather vane was covered in verdigris.
  • The verdigris on the copper roof glowed a beautiful sea-green in the sunlight.
copper acetate pigment

Used in discussions about art materials and chemistry, often referring to the synthetic form of verdigris used as a pigment.

  • The painter chose a copper acetate pigment for its vibrant green color.
  • Restorers applied copper acetate pigment to match the original hues of the historical artifact.
poisonous green pigment

This term highlights the toxic nature of certain green pigments, often in safety warnings or discussions about the hazardous properties of pigments in historical art.

  • Artists in the past frequently fell ill due to the use of poisonous green pigments.
  • Itโ€™s important to handle poisonous green pigments with care to avoid health risks.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used verdigris in his painting, not realizing its toxic nature.
  • Exposure to verdigris can lead to serious health problems.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'verdigris'

The word 'verdigris' originated from the Old French 'verdigrez', which came from the Medieval Latin 'viride' (green) and 'aeris' (of copper). The use of verdigris dates back to ancient times, where it was used as a pigment in paintings and for its decorative qualities on metal surfaces. However, its toxic nature led to a decline in its popularity over the years.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,354 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.