ˈaməˌran(t)th, -aa(ə)n- noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, alteration (probably influenced by Greek anthos flower) of Greek amaranton, from neuter of amarantos immortal, from a- a- (II) + -marantos (from marainein to waste, wither, quench); in other senses, from New Latin Amaranthus, alteration (probably influenced by Greek anthos ) of Latin amarantus, a flower (probably Celosia cristata ), modification of Greek amaranton — more at smart
1. : an imaginary flower supposed never to fade
beds of amaranth and moly — Alfred Tennyson
2.
a. : a plant of the genus Amaranthus
b. : purpleheart
3. : a dark reddish purple that is redder and less strong than patriarch and bluer and stronger than auricula purple or raisin purple
4. : a red acid azo dye C 20 H 11 N 2 Na 3 O 10 S 3 that is used chiefly in coloring foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical preparations and in dyeing wool and silk — see dye table 1 (under Acid Red 27 )