rufous

The autumn leaves turned a deep rufous color.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Reddish-brown in colour: "rufous" describes a colour that is a dull, brownish red, often seen in animal fur, feathers, or plant material.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The bird had a rufous breast and a grey back. (The bird's chest was a dull reddish-brown colour.)
  • The leaves turned a rufous shade in autumn. (The leaves became a brownish red in the fall.)
  • The fox's coat was a rich rufous colour. (The fox's fur was a deep reddish-brown.)

Advanced Usage

• "Rufous" in zoology: Used to describe the colouration of many animals, especially birds and mammals.
  • The rufous hummingbird is named for its reddish-brown feathers. (The hummingbird species is distinguished by its rufous colouring.)
• "Rufous" in botany: Used to describe the colour of dried or decaying plant matter.
  • The rufous hue of the fallen oak leaves indicated the onset of winter. (The brownish-red colour of the leaves signalled winter's approach.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rufescence (noun): the quality or state of being rufous; a reddish-brown tint.
  • The rufescence of the soil was due to high iron content. (The reddish-brown colour of the soil came from iron.)
• Rufescent (adjective): becoming or tending to be rufous.
  • The rufescent tips of the feathers gave the bird a warm appearance. (The feather tips, turning reddish-brown, added warmth.)

Synonyms

• Reddish-brown: a colour that is a mix of red and brown.
• Russet: a reddish-brown colour, often used for autumn leaves or animal coats.
• Ferruginous: rusty, reddish-brown in colour (often used in scientific contexts).

Related Idioms

• "Rufous as a fox": a simile comparing something to the reddish-brown colour of a fox's fur.
  • Her hair was rufous as a fox, gleaming in the sunlight. (Her hair was a bright reddish-brown, like a fox.)