vermilion

Where does the word "vermilion" come from? It comes from Latin vermiculus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Vermilion’s story begins in Latin: vermiculus meant “a little worm.” A little worm, referring to the insect once used to produce a vivid red dye. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vermeillon. Carried into French for the brilliant red pigment. It reached English by 1300s as vermilion. Settled as the English word for the vivid orange-red color. Today, vermilion means a brilliant orange-red color or pigment.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient vermiculus "a little worm", a little worm, referring to the insect once used to produce a vivid red dye.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval vermeillon "a brilliant red pigment", carried into French for the brilliant red pigment.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s vermilion "a vivid orange-red color", settled as the English word for the vivid orange-red color.