ˈbizˌ-, ˈbiˌsm- noun
Etymology: translation of German bismarckbraun, after Prince Otto von Bismarck -Schönhausen
1. often capitalized 1st B : a moderate yellowish brown that is yellower and very slightly stronger than cinnamon brown, darker and very slightly yellower than maple sugar, redder and lighter than bronze, and very slightly less strong than antique bronze — called also bunny, Havana
2. often capitalized both Bs : either of two basic diazo dyes:
a. : a dye made from meta -phenylenediamine that dyes wool, silk, and leather brown — called also Bismarck Brown G ; see dye table I (under Basic Brown 1 )
b. : a dye made from meta -tolylenediamine that dyes wool, jute, and leather reddish brown — called also Bismarck Brown R ; see dye table I (under Basic Brown 4, Pigment Brown 3, and Solvent Brown 12 )