porpora

purple

noun POR-poh-rah Rare

Origin: Latin purpura, from Greek porphyra 'purple dye (from shellfish)'.

Also means

crimson

Usage Note

Porpora is both a feminine noun ('purple/crimson dye or colour') and an invariable adjective (un mantello porpora). Historically it referred to the precious dye extracted from Murex shellfish and worn by Roman emperors and cardinals — hence vestire la porpora ('to wear the purple') means to become a cardinal. As an adjective it never changes form.

Examples

"Il cardinale indossava un mantello porpora."

Natural Translation

The cardinal wore a purple cloak.

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