zaffer

or zaf·fre

[ zaf-er ]

noun

1. an artificial mixture, resembling smalt, containing cobalt oxide and, usually, silica, used to produce a blue color in glass and in ceramic glazes.

zaffer

/ ˈzæfə /

noun

1. impure cobalt oxide, used to impart a blue colour to enamels

Word History and Origins

Origin of zaffer¹

1655–65; < Italian zaffera, perhaps < Latin sapphīra sapphire

Word History and Origins

Origin of zaffer¹

C17: from Italian zaffera; perhaps related to Latin sapphīrus sapphire

Example Sentences

Zaffer was accompanied on this visit to the Pacha by the prime vizier of Cambaya, and both were received with much honour.

From Project Gutenberg

The same day on which we anchored near Diu, one Khojah Zaffer came on board in a galley.

From Project Gutenberg