crimson

crimson adj

ME cremesin with “r” metathesis < Sp. carmesí < Arab. qirmazi, crimson < Arab. qirmiz, alkermes, the scarlet grain insect; see carmine, adj.

  1. Red; scarlet; ruby; deep reddish-purple color.

crimson n

see crimson, adj.

  1. Red; [metonymy] brightly colored petals.