mauve (au as o)

& s. [Fr.=mallow, Lat. malva. So called from the resemblance to the color of the flowers of the mallow.] A. As substantive: 1. Ord. Lang.: The color of the dye described under 2. 2. Chemistry: Aniline purple, or Perkin's purple. The sulphate of the base mauveine occurring in commerce in crystalline ma es, as a paste, and in solution. It is soluble in water, and dyes silk and wool a beautiful purple color. B. As adj .: Of a mauve color.