zaffer

or zaf·fre

[ zaf-er ]

/ ˈzæf ər /

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noun

an artificial mixture, resembling smalt, containing cobalt oxide and, usually, silica, used to produce a blue color in glass and in ceramic glazes.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of zaffer

1655–65; <Italian zaffera, perhaps <Latin sapphīrasapphire

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use zaffer in a sentence

The ore of cobalt, called zaffre, is found in several parts of Europe, but chiefly in Saxony.
Heads of Lectures on a Course of Experimental Philosophy: Particularly Including Chemistry|Joseph Priestley
Zaffre, digested in aqua regia, and diluted with four times its weight of water, is sometimes employed; a green tint results.
The Short-story|William Patterson Atkinson
Zaffre is now made from the cobalt ores found in these hills.
The Mosaic History of the Creation of the World|Thomas Wood
Dissolve zaffre, in powder, in aqua regia, for twenty-four hours.
Endless Amusement|Unknown

A little oxide of cobalt or zaffre is frequently added to alter the shade.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for zaffer

zaffer

zaffre

/ (ˈzæfə) /

noun

impure cobalt oxide, used to impart a blue colour to enamels

Word Origin for zaffer

C17: from Italian zaffera; perhaps related to Latin sapphīrus sapphire

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012