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

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

Or tatters of pale aster blue, descried By the roadside, Reveal whither they fled; Or the swamp maples, here and there a shred Of Indian red.

From Behind the Arras A Book of the Unseen by Meteyard, Thomas Buford

The sky was a moving medley of Chinese white and Prussian blue, that harmonised admirably with the Indian red architecture which framed it on all sides.

From Clayhanger by Bennett, Arnold

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