Relating to or containing cobalt, especially cobalt in its higher oxidation state (+3); of or pertaining to cobalt compounds.
From cobalt plus -ic (suffix forming adjectives). Cobalt from German 'Kobalt,' originally a mining term. Chemistry terminology standardized in the 19th century.
Cobaltic compounds are intensely colored—they range from brilliant blues to deep purples—which is why cobalt blue has been a prized pigment since medieval times, and why we still use it in modern paints and ceramics.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.