sallow
UK: ˈsæləʊ | US: ˈsæloʊ
adj. (of skin or complexion) having a pale, yellowish or sickly hue
n. a willow tree of a type that typically has broad leaves (genus Salix)
sallow = sall<willow> + ow<adjective suffix>
- sall (from Old English sealh, meaning "willow tree")
- ow (a suffix used to form adjectives, often indicating a characteristic or resemblance)
Etymology Origin:
The word sallow originally referred to the willow tree (Old English sealh), likely due to the pale, yellowish color of its leaves or bark. Over time, the adjective form emerged to describe a sickly, yellowish complexion, drawing a metaphorical connection to the willow's appearance. The shift from a botanical term to a descriptor of human pallor reflects the natural tendency to link organic hues with bodily conditions.
Her sallow complexion suggested she hadn’t slept well in days.
The doctor noted the patient’s sallow skin as a possible sign of anemia.
In autumn, the sallow leaves of the willow turned a brighter yellow.
He looked sallow and exhausted after the long illness.
The artist used ochre tones to paint the sallow glow of the twilight sky.