Dyer's Mignonette (Noun)
Meaning
European mignonette cultivated as a source of yellow dye; naturalized in North America.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The plant known as dyer's mignonette was once widely cultivated in Europe for its vibrant yellow flowers, which were used to create a natural dye.
- In the 18th century, dyer's mignonette was introduced to North America, where it quickly naturalized and spread throughout the continent.
- The yellow dye extracted from dyer's mignonette was highly prized by textile manufacturers, who used it to color fabrics a range of shades from pale lemon to deep gold.
- Today, dyer's mignonette is no longer widely cultivated for its dye, having been largely replaced by synthetic alternatives, but it can still be found growing wild in many parts of North America.
- Dyer's mignonette is a member of the mustard family, and its small, four-petaled flowers are a common sight in fields and meadows throughout Europe and North America.