annatto

[ uh-nat-oh, uh-nah-toh ]

noun

, plural an·nat·tos.

1. Also called lip·stick tree [lip, -stik tree]. a small tree, Bixa orellana, of tropical America.
2. Also ar·nat·to []. a yellowish-red dye obtained from the pulp enclosing the seeds of this tree, used for coloring fabrics, butter, varnish, etc.

annatto

/ əˈnætəʊ /

noun

1. a small tropical American tree, Bixa orellana, having red or pinkish flowers and pulpy seeds that yield a dye: family Bixaceae
2. the yellowish-red dye obtained from the pulpy outer layer of the coat of the seeds of this tree, used for colouring fabrics, butter, varnish, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of annatto¹

Borrowed into English from Carib around 1675–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of annatto¹

from Carib

Example Sentences

Ditto for using annatto seed oil to infuse an amber tone to the broth.

From Eater

The braising liquid, adapted from her mother’s recipe, calls for seasoning with fish sauce, sweetness from Coco Rico coconut soda, brown and amber color notes from caramel and annatto oil, plus water, which simmers uncovered for over four hours.

From Eater

This may be colored with anything desired, like burnt sienna, annatto, or other coloring material.

From Project Gutenberg

Butter is often colored with annatto, saffron, turmeric, marigold or coal-tar colors.

From Project Gutenberg

If the milk was uncolored or colored with annatto the curd when thus treated will be white.

From Project Gutenberg

It appears from these experiments that much more is required to dissolve it out of commercial annatto.

From Project Gutenberg

Put four pounds of salt butter into a churn, with four quarts of new milk and a small portion of annatto.

From Project Gutenberg