ceruse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic/Term of Art)Archival, historical, technical (art history, toxicology, historical studies).
Quick answer
What does “ceruse” mean?
White lead, a toxic pigment and cosmetic consisting of basic lead carbonate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
White lead, a toxic pigment and cosmetic consisting of basic lead carbonate.
Historically, a cosmetic or skin-whitening preparation containing white lead; can refer to the cosmetic itself or the substance used in painting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage, as it is a technical/archaic term.
Connotations
Identical. Connotes historical toxicity, vanity, and danger.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, found only in specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ceruse” in a Sentence
The + ceruse + verb (e.g., The ceruse contained lead)Verb + ceruse (e.g., used ceruse, applied ceruse)Adjective + ceruse (e.g., Venetian ceruse)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ceruse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history, history of medicine, gender studies, and toxicology.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used precisely to denote the historical pigment/cosmetic compound.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ceruse”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ceruse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ceruse”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsɜːruːz/.
- Using it to refer to modern makeup.
- Spelling as 'cerous' (which relates to cerium).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, due to its extreme toxicity (lead poisoning), it is banned in cosmetics and replaced by safe alternatives like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Ceruse is a specific, toxic historical substance made of white lead. Foundation is a broad category of modern, safe cosmetic products for evening skin tone.
It is infamous for its use by European elites (like Queen Elizabeth I) to achieve a pale 'aristocratic' look, often resulting in disfigurement, illness, and death.
Etymologically, yes. Both come from Latin 'cerussa' (white lead) and Greek 'keros' (wax), relating to materials used for coatings or finishes.
White lead, a toxic pigment and cosmetic consisting of basic lead carbonate.
Ceruse is usually archival, historical, technical (art history, toxicology, historical studies). in register.
Ceruse: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈruːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˈruːs/ or /ˈsɪəruːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "SE-cure a ROUSE (red) face? No, CERUSE was used to create a white, pale face." Or link to "ceramic" glaze which can be white and toxic.
Conceptual Metaphor
PALENESS/WHITENESS IS BEAUTY (historically, a dangerous ideal).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'ceruse' primarily known as?