Purple

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpɜː.pl̩/

Definitions

1. A color that results from mixing red and blue light, or clothing and objects displaying this hue
2. A shade achieved by blending red and blue, often associated with royalty and creativity, which can be seen in various objects and clothing
3. A color produced by the combination of red and blue, frequently linked to luxury and imagination, visible in fabrics and items

Etymology: The Greek word "porphura" named a shellfish, the sea snail whose glands yielded a dye so costly that it became the colour of emperors. Its name ultimately came from a word meaning "purple-fish," and Latin took it over as "purpura," meaning both the dye and the shellfish. That grand association is why the colour carried the sense of imperial power: rulers wore it because only the wealthy could afford it. English received the word through Old English, where "purpure" named the colour and "purpul" was used as an adjective. Middle English then shortened it to "purpel" and "purple," which is the form still in use. "Purpura" and "purpure" are doublets of the same word, which entered English by other routes and kept older forms and senses.

Synonyms: violet, lavender, mauve

Antonyms: green, yellow, red