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.

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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

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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

Indian red underlies the gilding, and the weather has left some parts gold and some half gold and red, and other bits weather-worn silvery teak.

From From Edinburgh to India & Burmah by Burn Murdoch, W. G. (William Gordon)

Under the eyes, the shadows are blueish, whilst those under the eyebrows and nostrils are warm in tint; Indian red serves well for warming shadows.

From Little Folks (December 1884) A Magazine for the Young by Various

Colors: picture, Prussian blue, scroll and ornamental work pale Indian red.

From History of the Postage Stamps of the United States of America by Tiffany, John Kerr