umber

views updated May 09 2018

um·ber / ˈəmbər/ • n. 1. a natural pigment resembling but darker than ocher, normally dark yellowish-brown in color (raw umber) or dark brown when roasted (burnt umber). ∎  the color of this pigment. 2. a brownish-grey moth (family Geometridae) with coloring that resembles tree bark.

umber

views updated May 08 2018

umber A mudstone rich in iron and manganese oxides, with silica, aluminium oxide, and lime, that is the source of a pigment of the same name. Compare OCHRE.

umber

views updated May 21 2018

umber kind of brown earth used as a pigment. XVI. — F. ombre or It. ombra, either identical with the words derived from L. umbra shadow, darkness; or from L. Umbra, fem. of Umber belonging to the ancient province of Umbria, Italy.

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