indian ink

An artist dips a brush into a bottle of indian ink.

Definition

1. Noun (uncountable):
   • A black ink used for writing and drawing: "Indian ink" is a dense, permanent black ink traditionally made from carbon black (soot) and a binding agent, often used in art, calligraphy, and technical drawing.

Usage Examples

• (A dense black ink for drawing.)
• (An ink valued for its deep black tone.)
• (A permanent ink that does not wash away easily.)

Advanced Usage

• "Indian ink" as a technical term: In modern contexts, "Indian ink" may refer to any waterproof, carbon-based black ink, often used in pens and for printing.

  • The blueprint was drawn with Indian ink to ensure legibility after copying. (A precise, waterproof ink for technical drawings.)

• "Indian ink" in art conservation: It is noted for its permanence and resistance to light and chemicals.

  • Conservators value Indian ink for its stability in historical manuscripts. (The ink’s durability is important for preservation.)

Variants and Related Words

• India ink (noun): a variant spelling of "Indian ink", equally common in American English.

  • She bought a bottle of India ink for her comic illustrations. (Same meaning as Indian ink.)

• Carbon ink (noun): a broader term for inks made from carbon black, including Indian ink.

  • Carbon ink is used in fountain pens for its smooth flow. (A related type of ink.)

• Waterproof ink (noun): ink that does not run or fade when exposed to water, a key property of Indian ink.

  • The label was printed with waterproof ink to survive spills. (A characteristic of Indian ink.)

Synonyms

• Black ink: a general term for any dark-coloured ink.
• Carbon-based ink: a more technical synonym emphasizing the ink's composition.
• Drawing ink: often used interchangeably for Indian ink in artistic contexts.

Related Idioms

• "As black as Indian ink": a simile used to describe something extremely dark or black.
  • The sky was as black as Indian ink before the storm. (Very dark, like the colour of the ink.)