Atroceruleus

/ˌætrəsɪˈruːliəs/ adjective

Definition

A variant form of atroceruleous, a rare scientific term for a dark reddish-blue or dark cerulean color.

Etymology

Latin variant of atroceruleous, using the Latinized masculine form ending '-us' instead of '-ous,' typical of binomial nomenclature and botanical Latin.

Kelly Says

Botanists and zoologists in the 1700s-1800s created dozens of these color-combination words for scientific naming, but most have been lost because modern biologists just say 'dark blue-brown' instead of inventing new Latin adjectives.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.