The word "alizarine" is spelled as /əˈlɪzəriːn/. The IPA phonetic transcription used to spell the word reveals the pronunciation of the syllables /ə/, /ˈlɪzə/, and /riːn/. The word originates from Arabic and means 'the juice of the root of the plant'. Alizarine is a red dye that is extracted from the roots of the common madder plant. This spelling is widely used in the scientific community and is recognized as correct by the Oxford English Dictionary.
Alizarine is a noun usually referring to a red dye or pigment widely used in the textile and paint industries. It is derived from the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum) or synthesized from anthracene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
In its natural form, alizarine is extracted from madder roots, which contain the compound dihydroxyanthraquinone. A complex chemical process is then employed to convert this compound into alizarine. The resulting substance is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, making it suitable for dyeing fabrics or mixing with binders for creating paint pigments.
Historically, alizarine played a significant role in the textile industry, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was widely used as a red dye. Its use diminished after the discovery and production of synthetic dyes. However, alizarine is still employed today, albeit to a lesser extent, in industries where a natural or traditional hue is desired, such as in the production of historical textiles, artist paints, and restoration work.
In addition to its vibrant red color, alizarine has good colorfastness, which means it retains its color when exposed to light, washing, or other environmental factors. Despite its relatively low toxicity, the use of alizarine has diminished due to the availability of more cost-effective synthetic alternatives. Nonetheless, alizarine remains a significant compound in the history and development of dyes and pigments.
A colouring principle in madder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "alizarine" originated from the French term "alizarine", which was derived from the Arabic word "al-ʿasārī", meaning "juice". The Arabic term was in reference to the red dye extracted from the madder root. The French adopted this term during the 18th century and eventually modified it to "alizarine". Ultimately, "alizarine" became the name for a synthetic red dye derived from coal tar and was used as a substitute for the natural madder dye.