Tyrian purple

noun
Tyr·​i·​an purple | \ ˈtir-ē-ən- How to pronounce Tyrian purple (audio) \

Definition of Tyrian purple

: a crimson or purple dye that is related to indigo, was obtained by the ancient Greeks and Romans from gastropod mollusks, and is now made synthetically

First Known Use of Tyrian purple

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Tyrian purple

Tyre, maritime city of ancient Phoenicia

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