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vermeil

vermilion

adjective vehr-MEH-yuh Rare

Also means

gilt (gold-plated silver)

Usage Note

Vermeil describes a bright red or scarlet hue, often used poetically to describe lips, roses, or a sunrise. As a noun (le vermeil) it specifically refers to gilt silver — silver coated with gold — used in luxury tableware and medals. The feminine form is vermeille.

Examples

"Ses lèvres étaient d'un rouge vermeil."

Natural Translation

Her lips were a bright vermilion red.

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