Fustic meaning

Fustic is a yellow dye obtained from the fustic tree, used in coloring fabrics and wood.


Fustic definitions

Word backwards citsuf
Part of speech The word "fustic" can be a noun or an adjective.
Syllabic division fus-tic
Plural The plural of the word fustic is fustics.
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) u,i
Consonants (4) f,s,t,c

Known for its vibrant and versatile qualities, fustic is a natural dye derived from the wood of the Maclura tinctoria tree, also known as old fustic or dyer's mulberry. This tree is native to the Caribbean and Central America. The wood from the fustic tree contains a yellow dye that has been used for centuries in various applications.

History of Fustic

The use of fustic as a dye can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Maya and the Aztecs. It was later introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became popular for dyeing textiles, leather, and paper. Fustic was particularly prized for its ability to create vibrant yellow and green hues.

Properties of Fustic

Fustic contains a natural pigment called morin, which is responsible for its yellow color. This pigment is water-soluble and can be extracted by boiling the wood chips. Fustic dye is known for its lightfastness, meaning it retains its color even when exposed to sunlight. It also has good wash-fastness, making it suitable for use in textiles.

Uses of Fustic

Due to its vibrant color and durability, fustic dye has been used in various industries. In the past, it was commonly used to dye fabrics such as wool, cotton, and silk. Fustic was also used in the manufacturing of paints, inks, and wood stains. Today, fustic dye is still used in traditional crafts such as dyeing yarn and fabrics.

Overall, fustic is a versatile and sustainable dye that continues to be valued for its rich color and longevity. Its historical significance and natural properties make it a popular choice for artisans and textile artists looking to create beautiful, long-lasting pieces.


Fustic Examples

  1. The artist used fustic dye to create a beautiful shade of yellow for the painting.
  2. Fustic wood is commonly used in furniture making due to its durability and attractive grain.
  3. The ancient Egyptians used fustic as a natural remedy for various ailments.
  4. The chef flavored the dish with fustic leaves to add a unique citrusy taste.
  5. The textile industry often utilizes fustic extract as a natural dye for fabrics.
  6. Fustic bark is known for its astringent properties and is used in traditional medicine.
  7. The artisan crafted a beautiful bowl from fustic wood and polished it to a high sheen.
  8. The scientist studied the chemical composition of fustic to understand its properties better.
  9. Fustic powder is commonly used in herbal teas for its health benefits.
  10. The carpenter chose fustic timber for the garden bench due to its resistance to decay.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 14/05/2024 - 19:29:56