Verdigris: meaning, definitions and examples
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verdigris
[ ˈvɜːrdɪɡriːs ]
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
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.
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
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
Translations of the word "verdigris" in other languages:
🇵🇹 verdigão
🇮🇳 नील हरित ताम्र
🇩🇪 Grünspan
🇮🇩 patina hijau
🇺🇦 патина
🇵🇱 grynszpan
🇯🇵 緑青
🇫🇷 vert-de-gris
🇪🇸 cardenillo
🇹🇷 bakır pası
🇰🇷 녹청
🇸🇦 صدأ النحاس الأخضر
🇨🇿 měděnka
🇸🇰 medenky
🇨🇳 铜绿
🇸🇮 paten
🇮🇸 grænska
🇰🇿 мыс қышқылы
🇬🇪 სპილენძის ჟანგი
🇦🇿 tunc pası
🇲🇽 cardenillo
Word origin
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.