subfusc

[ suhb-fuhsk ]

adjective

1. subfuscous; dusky.
2. dark and dull; dingy; drab:

   a subfusc mining town.

subfusc

/ ˈsʌbfʌsk /

adjective

1. devoid of brightness or appeal; drab, dull, or dark

noun

1. (at Oxford University) formal academic dress

Word History and Origins

Origin of subfusc¹

1755–65; < Latin subfuscus subfuscous

Word History and Origins

Origin of subfusc¹

C18: from Latin subfuscus dusky, from fuscus dark

Example Sentences

I was in knickerbockers and khaki shirt; Mifflin in greasy gray flannels and subfusc Norfolk.

From Project Gutenberg

A pair of subfusc coloured trousers creased and looking absolutely new were presented to him in the same manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cloudy
• cold
• dark
• dim
• dismal
• flat
• hazy
• lifeless
• muddy
• muted
• obscure
• soft
• somber
• subdued