noun
Usage: often capitalized 1st I
Etymology: so called from a belief that it was made in India
1. : a black pigment (as specially prepared lampblack mixed with a glutinous binder and sometimes perfume) in the form of sticks or cakes and used in drawing and lettering
2. : a fluid ink consisting usually of a fine suspension of india-ink pigment in a liquid medium (as water containing a gum) — called also China ink, Chinese ink