dye
UK: daɪ | US: daɪ
n. a natural or synthetic substance used to color materials
vt. to apply color to something using a dye
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The word "dye" traces back to Old English dēag, dēah, meaning "color" or "hue." It shares roots with Old High German toug and Old Norse daufr, all pointing to the Proto-Germanic daugō. Unlike many modern English words, "dye" retains its compact Germanic structure without clear prefix/root/suffix divisions. Its evolution reflects a direct inheritance from early Germanic languages, bypassing Latin or Greek influences common in other color-related terms (e.g., "pigment" from Latin). The word’s simplicity aligns with its ancient role in textile and artisanal traditions.
She used plant-based dyes to color the fabric.
The artisan dyed the wool a deep blue.
Synthetic dyes revolutionized the textile industry.
This dye fades quickly in sunlight.
Ancient civilizations developed dyes from crushed insects and minerals.