zaffer


zaf·fer

also zaf·fre Z0000800 (zăf′ər)n. An impure oxide of cobalt, used to produce a blue color in enamel and in the making of smalt.
[Italian zaffera, from Old French safre, perhaps alteration of safir, sapphire; see sapphire, or from Arabic ṣufr, yellow copper, brass, from 'aṣfar, yellow; see ṣpr in Semitic roots.]

zaffer

(ˈzæfə) or

zaffre

n (Elements & Compounds) impure cobalt oxide, used to impart a blue colour to enamels[C17: from Italian zaffera; perhaps related to Latin sapphīrus sapphire]

zaf•fer

(ˈzæf ər)

n. a blue pigment containing impure cobalt oxide, used in ceramic glazes. [1655–65; < Italian zaffera, perhaps < Latin sapphīra sapphire]