indigo
UK: ˈɪndɪɡəʊ | US: ˈɪndɪɡoʊ
n. 1. A deep blue-purple color, traditionally one of the seven colors of the rainbow.
n. 2. A natural dye extracted from plants of the genus Indigofera.
adj. Having the color indigo.
indigo = ind<Indian> + igo<dye>
- ind<Indian>: Derived from Latin indicum (meaning "from India"), referencing the dye's historical trade route.
- igo<dye>: From Greek indikon (Ἰνδικόν), meaning "Indian substance," later adapted into Latin as indigo.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Greek indikon, reflecting the dye's ancient import from India. Latin adopted it as indicum, which evolved into Spanish índigo and later English indigo. The morpheme ind- preserves the geographic association, while -igo encapsulates the dye's identity.
The artist mixed blue and violet to create a rich indigo hue.
Indigo was once a highly valued commodity in global trade.
Her dress shimmered in shades of indigo under the moonlight.
Traditional Japanese textiles often feature indigo dye.
The sunset painted the sky in streaks of indigo and gold.