Indian red

American  

noun

1. earth of a yellowish-red color, found especially in the Persian Gulf, that serves as a pigment and as a polish for gold and silver objects.

2. a pigment of that color prepared by oxidizing the salts of iron.

---

Indian red British  

noun

1. a red pigment containing ferric oxide, used in paints and cosmetics and produced by oxidizing iron salts

2. a type of red soil containing ferric oxide, found in S Asia and used as a pigment and metal polish

---

Etymology

Origin of Indian red

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Indian red

Two Indian red lines were soon tested: curbing support for north-eastern insurgents and protecting Hindu minorities.

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026

As many do, he likes to store it in a matka, an Indian red clay pot that is a water cooler.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 20, 2023

In combination with Indian red and Naples yellow, terre verte forms a series of mild russet greens, of much use in middle distance.

From Field's Chromatography or Treatise on Colours and Pigments as Used by Artists by Salter, Thomas

Male—General color Indian red, passing into brownish gray, with red tinge beneath.

From Bird Neighbors An Introductory Acquaintance with One Hundred and Fifity Birds Commonly Found in the Gardens, Meadows, and Woods About Our Homes by Blanchan, Neltje

Specially prepared distemper colours should be used, and amongst such may be mentioned golden ochre, Turkey red, Indian red, manganese black, lime blue, and umber.

From Arts and Crafts Essays by Members of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society by Various