mauve

Definition

A rich purple synthetic dye, which faded easily, briefly popular c. 1859‒1873 and now called mauveine.

Etymology

Borrowed from French mauve (“mallow”), from Latin malva, which has a purple colour. Doublet of mallow. Coined in 1856 by the chemist William Henry Perkin, when he accidentally created the first aniline dye.

Example Sentences

• "Never trust a woman who wears mauve, whatever her age may be, or a woman over thirty-five who is fond of pink ribbons."