ceruse etymology

Etymology:

  • French: céruse < Latin: cerussa < Greek: keringos ("white lead")

Meaning:

  • A white pigment used in paint and cosmetics, composed primarily of lead carbonate.

Origin:

The word "ceruse" has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece. Originally, it referred to a type of white paint made from lead. This paint was used by the Greeks to whiten their skin and to paint their statues. The Romans adopted the use of ceruse from the Greeks, and it became a common ingredient in Roman cosmetics and paints.

Ceruse continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It was a popular ingredient in medieval make-up, and was also used to paint the faces of statues and other religious objects. In the 18th century, ceruse began to be used in the manufacture of porcelain.

Today, ceruse is still used in some paints and cosmetics, although its use has declined due to concerns about its toxicity. Lead carbonate is known to be harmful to human health, and can cause a range of health problems, including lead poisoning.

ceruse relate terms

  • cere

    Etymology Latin cera wax from Proto Indo European kʲer to scratch scrape

  • pigment

    Etymology and Origin The term pigment comes from the Latin word pigmentum which mean

  • white

    Etymology The word white originates from the Old English word hwit which is believe

  • lead

    Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

  • lead

    Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

  • crusade

    Etymology Medieval Latin cruciata marked with a cross Late Latin crux cross

  • addiction

    Etymology The word addiction is derived from the Latin word addictio which means s

  • truant

    Etymology Middle English truaunt from Old French truant from trauandier stroller va

  • priest

    Etymology The word priest derives from the Greek word presbyteros meaning elder or

  • compensate

    Etymology Middle English compensaten from Latin compensare to weigh out together bal

  • warlock

    Etymology The word warlock derives from Old English wærloga which means oath break