Anil (Noun)
Meaning 1
Shrub of West Indies and South America that is a source of indigo dye.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The anil shrub has been used for centuries to produce a vibrant blue dye for fabrics and textiles.
- In the 18th century, the anil plant was a major crop in many West Indian colonies, with its indigo dye being highly prized by European textile manufacturers.
- The anil shrub is a member of the madder family and is native to the tropical regions of South America and the Caribbean.
- Anil plants are relatively easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of environments, making them a popular choice for small-scale farmers in the region.
- The leaves of the anil plant contain a pigment called indican, which is used to produce the distinctive blue color of indigo dye.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A blue dye obtained from plants or made synthetically.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The textile artist used anil to create a vibrant blue hue for her latest fabric design.
- Anil was a highly prized commodity in ancient civilizations, where it was used to dye royal robes.
- The company's new synthetic anil production process reduced costs and increased efficiency.
- Historians have identified several plant species that were used by ancient cultures to produce anil.
- The textile conservator carefully tested a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to see if the anil used in the 19th century had faded over time.