rubefacient (2009-05-13)

Part of Speech: adjective

Pronunciation: [ru-bê-'fey-shênt]

Definition: Causing redness (usually in the skin); an agent that causes redness (Noun).

Usage: Certain allergens are rubefacient but so is an embarrassing remark if it results in blushing. "Rubefacient language" or "remark" is a nice euphemism for "profanity" or anything spoken out of place. "The document was a rubefacient for all who worked on it."

Suggested Usage: The term is usually used in the medical sense, but why stop there

Etymology: Latin rubefacere "to make red", itself from rubeus "reddish" + facere "to make". Rubeus is from PIE reudh-, the origin of ruby, red, robust, corroborate, rambunctious, ruddy, rust, and rouge. From facere (PPart fact-us) fact, faction, factor, fashion, feasible, feat, and feature are derived.