fustic
Definition
- Noun:
- A tropical tree: "fustic" refers to any of several tropical American trees of the mulberry family, especially Chlorophora tinctoria (now Maclura tinctoria), from which a yellow dye is obtained.
- The wood of this tree: The hard, durable wood of the fustic tree, used in cabinetmaking and for dyeing.
- A yellow dye: A natural dye extracted from the wood of the fustic tree, historically used to colour textiles and leather.
Usage Examples
- (The wood of the fustic tree was used in furniture.)
- (The dye extracted from the wood of the fustic tree.)
- (The tropical tree species.)
Advanced Usage
"fustic dye": A specific type of natural yellow dye derived from the tree.
- Fustic dye was once a major export from the West Indies. (The dye was traded internationally.)
"old fustic": A historical term for the dye derived from Maclura tinctoria, as opposed to "young fustic" from other trees.
- Old fustic produces a more stable colour than young fustic. (The dye from the primary species is more durable.)
Variants and Related Words
Fustic wood (n): the timber of the fustic tree.
- Fustic wood is resistant to decay, making it valuable for outdoor use. (The wood is durable.)
Fustic extract (n): a concentrated solution of the dye.
- The fustic extract was used to dye military uniforms during the 18th century. (The concentrated dye.)
Synonyms
- Yellowwood: a common name for trees yielding yellow dye, though not exclusively fustic.
- Dye-wood: any wood used for making natural dyes.
Related Idioms