How Do You Spell MADDER-LAKE?

Pronunciation: [mˈadəlˈe͡ɪk] (IPA)

"Madder-lake" is a type of pigment used in painting, but its spelling can be confusing. The word is pronounced /mædər-leɪk/ and is derived from the plant "madder" that was used to create the reddish dye for the pigment in the past. The "lake" part of the word refers to the process of binding the dye to a substrate, creating the pigment. Despite its unconventional spelling, madder-lake remains a common term in the painting world and is often used to describe a range of reddish hues.

MADDER-LAKE Meaning and Definition

  1. Madder-lake is a term used in the field of art and art history to refer to a deep red pigment derived from the root of the madder plant, scientifically known as Rubia tinctorum. The madder plant has been cultivated for centuries, primarily in Europe and Asia, for its dyeing properties. The root of the plant contains a natural dye compound known as alizarin, which can be processed and turned into a pigment.

    The term "madder-lake" specifically refers to a pigment made by grinding the dried roots of the madder plant into a fine powder and then mixing it with a binding agent, such as gum arabic, to create a paintable substance. The resulting pigment is known for its rich and vibrant red color, often appearing as a deep crimson shade.

    Madder-lake has played a significant role in the history of art, particularly during the Renaissance and beyond. It was highly valued for its permanence and intense hue, making it a sought-after color for painters. The pigment was used in various painting techniques, including oil and watercolor, and became especially popular in early European oil paintings.

    Today, the term "madder-lake" can still be encountered in discussions about traditional art materials and techniques, although synthetic pigments have largely replaced the use of natural madder in modern art. Nonetheless, madder-lake remains an important pigment in the study and preservation of historical artworks.

  2. A colour obtained from madder.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MADDER-LAKE

  • nadder-lake
  • kadder-lake
  • jadder-lake
  • mzdder-lake
  • msdder-lake
  • mwdder-lake
  • mqdder-lake
  • masder-lake
  • maxder-lake
  • macder-lake
  • mafder-lake
  • marder-lake
  • maeder-lake
  • madser-lake
  • madxer-lake
  • madcer-lake
  • madfer-lake
  • madrer-lake
  • madeer-lake
  • maddwr-lake

Etymology of MADDER-LAKE

The word "madder-lake" has its roots in the combination of two separate terms: "madder" and "lake".

The term "madder" derives from the Old English word "mædere", which was adapted from the Dutch word "meekrap" and the Latin word "ruber". "Mædere" specifically referred to the plant Rubia tinctorum, commonly known as madder, which was extensively cultivated for its red dye throughout Europe. The madder plant's roots were crushed and fermented to produce a red pigment.

The term "lake", in the context of pigments, comes from the Latin word "lacca", meaning "lac" or "resin", which in turn was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root term "sleik-", meaning "smear" or "slick".