sympathetic ink
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of sympathetic ink
First recorded in 1715–25
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I kept it, as I said, and since that time I have tried various experiments to see whether sympathetic ink had been used, but absolutely without result.
From Ghost Stories of an Antiquary Part 2: More Ghost Stories by M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James
I think," he replied slowly, "that it was drawn with sympathetic ink.
From The Romance of Elaine Sequel to "Exploits of Elaine" by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve
A red sympathetic ink may be made in the following manner: Write with a very dilute solution of perchloride of iron—so dilute, indeed, that the writing will be invisible when dry.
They are like the lines of a letter written in sympathetic ink; hold the letter to the fire for a while and the grateful warmth brings out the invisible words.
From The Diary of a Man of Fifty by Henry James
The fire of inspiration brings out, as it were, designs traced beforehand in sympathetic ink.
From Amiel's Journal by Mrs. Humphry Ward
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