Gemauve

/ʒəˈmoʊv/ noun

Definition

A muted purplish-pink color, similar to mauve but with distinct properties in historical textile dyeing.

Etymology

Blend of 'gem' (referring to precious stone tones) and 'mauve' (from the mallow flower). This appears to be a rare or obsolete term from Victorian-era color nomenclature.

Kelly Says

The Victorians had so many specific color names that most are lost now—gemauve represents that elaborate color culture where fabric dyers were almost artists with their own specialized vocabulary.

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