russet

[ruhs-it]

noun

1. yellowish brown, light brown, or reddish brown.

2. a coarse reddish-brown or brownish homespun cloth formerly used for clothing.

3. any of various apples that have a rough brownish skin and ripen in the autumn.

4. a brownish, roughened area on fruit, resulting from diseases, insects, or spraying.

5. russet Burbank.

6. finished leather that is not yet polished or colored.

adjective

1. yellowish-brown, light-brown, or reddish-brown.

2. made of russet.

russet

/ ˈrʌsɪt /

noun

1. brown with a yellowish or reddish tinge

2. 1. a rough homespun fabric, reddish-brown in colour, formerly in use for clothing

   2. ( as modifier )

      a russet coat

3. any of various apples with rough brownish-red skins

4. abnormal roughness on fruit, caused by parasites, pesticides, or frost

adjective

1. (of tanned hide leather) dressed ready for staining

2. archaic,  simple; homely; rustic

   a russet life

3. of the colour russet

   russet hair

Other Word Forms

• russetish adjective
• russety adjective
• russetlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of russet¹

1225–75; Middle English < Old French rousset, diminutive of rous reddish brown, red (of hair); roux

Word History and Origins

Origin of russet¹

C13: from Anglo-Norman, from Old French rosset , from rous , from Latin russus ; related to Latin ruber red

Example Sentences

Continued warm weather meant autumn came late this year, but it brought an explosion of colour with some spectacular displays ranging from gold through to russet red, like here on the Wallington Estate in Northumberland.

From BBC

One nice thing about using sweet potatoes instead of the more traditional russets: They contain much less water, so you don’t have to squeeze them dry.

From Washington Times

The latter are russet potatoes, scored, baked and fried crispy, and served with bravas sauce and garlic aioli.

From Seattle Times

Datasembly measured prices for russet potatoes, roasted turkey gravy, eight buttermilk biscuits, cut green beans, jellied cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix, frozen pastry pie shells, whipped topping and sweet corn.

From Washington Times

His pumpkins appear to be snarling or wailing, and often have bulging eyeballs that he scoops from russet potatoes using a melon baller.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cardinal 
• coral 
• crimson 
• flaming 
• glowing 
• maroon 
• rose 
• wine