Tyrian purple

noun

1. Also called Tyrian dye. a highly prized crimson or purple dye of classical antiquity, originally obtained at great expense from a certain shellfish: later shown to be an indigo derivative and synthetically produced, and now replaced by other synthetic dyes.
2. a vivid, purplish red.

Tyrian purple

noun

1. a deep purple dye obtained from molluscs of the genus Murex and highly prized in antiquity
2. 1. a vivid purplish-red colour
   2. ( as adjective ) Sometimes shortened toTyrian

      a Tyrian-purple robe

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tyrian purple¹

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

Tyrian purple he rejected as being too dull for the comparison.

From Project Gutenberg

The modern chemist has robbed royalty of its most distinctive insignia, Tyrian purple.

From Project Gutenberg