minium
/ˈmɪniəm/
noun
- A bright red or orange-red pigment made from lead oxide, used historically in paints and inks.
- The artist mixed minium with oil to create a vibrant red paint.
- Minium was once common in ship paints to prevent rust, but it is now rarely used due to lead concerns.
- Medieval monks used minium to illuminate the first letters of manuscripts.