I. ˈkrimzən also -m(p)sən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English cremesin, crimisin, from Old Spanish cremesín, from Arabic qirmizī red of the kermes, from qirmiz kermes, perhaps of Indic origin; akin to Sanskrit kṛmi worm; akin to Lithuanian kirmìs worm, Old Irish cruim
1.
a. : any of several deep or vivid reds or purplish reds of rather indefinite range
b. : a pigment or dye that colors crimson
2. : something crimson
a coat of fine-woven crimson
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English cremesin, crimisin, from cremesin, crimisin, n.
1. : of the color crimson
2. : resembling the color crimson ; especially : bloody
3. : flushed from embarrassment or anger
4. : violent , lurid
writes of crimson deeds and barbaric days — Andrea Parke
circulating crimson rumors
• crim·son·ly adverb
• crim·son·ness - ə n(n)ə̇s noun -es
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
: to make crimson : dye with crimson
intransitive verb
: to become crimson:
a. : blush , flush
b. : ripen
apples crimsoning in the fall