blanch

Definition

To grow or become white.

Etymology

From Middle English blaunchen, from Old French blanchir, from Old French blanc (“white”), from Early Medieval Latin blancus, from Frankish *blank, from Proto-Germanic *blankaz (“bright, shining, blinding, white”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰleyǵ- (“to shine”). Cognates Cognate with blench (“to deceive, to trick”) through Proto-Indo-European, whence other etymology of blanch.

Example Sentences

• "His cheek blanched with fear."
• "The rose blanches in the sun."
• "Nurse Cramer's face blanched and she turned to Dunbar desperately for aid."