IPA: /vɜːrˈmeɪl/
KK: /vərˈmeɪl/
Having a bright red color.
The artist chose a vermeil shade for the painting to make it stand out.
Comparative: more vermeil
Superlative: most vermeil
A type of metal that is made of silver or another metal coated with a layer of gold, often used in jewelry and decorative items.
The antique shop had a beautiful vermeil necklace that caught everyone's eye.
Vermeil comes from the Old French word *vermeil*, which means red or crimson, derived from the Latin *vermis* (meaning worm). The term originally referred to a red dye made from the kermes insect, which was used to produce a rich red color. Thus, vermeil refers to a gold-plated silver that is often associated with a reddish hue.
Think of the word 'vermis' which means worm, as it relates to the red dye made from insects. This helps you remember that 'vermeil' refers to a rich, reddish-gold color.