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illustration Ocher

Ocher

[OH-kər]

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Middle English, 1350s

1.

An earthy pigment containing ferric oxide, typically with clay, varying from light yellow to brown or red.

2.

A pale brownish yellow color.

Examples of Ocher in a sentence

"This artist’s work is characterized by her extensive use of yellow ocher."

"All of Mary’s enamel pots are a beautiful ocher color to match her kitchen walls."

About Ocher

This word developed in its modern sense through Middle English via the Old French word “ocre.” However, before then it developed in Latin by way of the Greek word ōkhra (yellow ocher).

Did you Know?

Ocher is a naturally occurring pigment found in minerals and the earth, in use since prehistoric times. Many characteristic yellow, red, and orange cave paintings and paleolithic artworks, most of which remain remarkably well-preserved, were done using ocher pigments.

illustration Ocher

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