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purple

pur·ple

purple

 
pronunciation:
puhr pl
parts of speech:
noun, adjective, transitive verb & intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, adjective), Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the color that results when blue and red paint are mixed.
The purple of these violets is my favorite color.
 
definition 2: clothing or cloth of this color, esp. as a symbol of royalty or high rank.
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part of speech: adjective
definition 1: of or pertaining to the color purple.
The football players wear purple helmets.
definition 2: full of ornate or elaborate language or literary effects.
Some critics found the author's purple prose too affected.
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part of speech: transitive verb & intransitive verb
inflections: purples, purpling, purpled
definition: to make or become purple.
derivation: purplish (adj.)
Word History
Purple comes from porphura, an ancient Greek name for a shellfish from which purple dye is made.
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