amaranthine

Definition

A dark reddish-purple colour.

Etymology

Coined by Milton, originally meaning "unfading", as amaranth + -ine, from Ancient Greek ἀμάραντος (amárantos, “unfading”). Later used for color. First attested in the 1660s.

Example Sentences

• "The giantesses lift arms like the trunks of sycamores, each finger tipped with an amaranthine talon."
• "Ah! when the eternal morning dawns, And amaranthines shall displace the thorns […]"