Definition

A dark brown color, often used in art and design, derived from the pigment made from the soot of burnt wood or other organic materials.

Example

The artist chose a bistre shade for the background of the painting to create a warm atmosphere.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the color bistre?

Yeah, I think it's a shade of brown, right?

Exactly! I love how rich and warm bistre looks in paintings.

It really does add a nice depth to the artwork.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bistre originates from the French word 'bistre', which refers to a brown pigment made from the soot of burnt wood. The term is derived from the Italian 'bistro', meaning 'dark brown'.

Memory Tip

Think of the French word for a brown pigment, 'bistre', which helps you remember that 'bistre' refers to a specific shade of brown.

Visually Confused Words