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gamboge

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ˈɡæmboʊdʒ//

KK: /ˈɡæmboʊdʒ/

noun
Definition

A yellowish-brown resin from certain trees that is used as a pigment in art and for medicinal purposes.


Example

The artist used gamboge to create a vibrant yellow in her painting.


Conversation
Sloth A
I just finished a painting using gamboge for the highlights.
Sloth B
Oh, that's interesting! I've never used that color before.
Sloth A
It's such a rich, warm tone; it really makes the painting pop.
Sloth B
I can imagine! I should try incorporating gamboge into my next piece.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
resin
pigment
gum
Antonyms
colorless
transparent
invisible
Root Explanation

Gamboge originates from the Latin word 'gambogium', which refers to a yellow resin obtained from certain trees in Southeast Asia. The term is derived from the name of the region where it was first collected, specifically from the Gamboge region in Cambodia. The word describes a specific yellow pigment made from this resin.

Memory Tip

Think of the yellow resin from the Gamboge region in Cambodia, which helps you remember that 'gamboge' refers to a yellow pigment.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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