zaffer

(zaf′ər)

noun

a mixture of impure oxides of cobalt, used in making smalt and as a blue pigment in ceramic glazes, glassmaking, etc.

Origin: < Fr zafre or It zaffera, prob. < Ar ṣufr, yellow copper, brass

See zaffer in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also zaf·fre

noun

An impure oxide of cobalt, used to produce a blue color in enamel and in the making of smalt.

Origin:

Origin: Italian zaffera

Origin: , from Old French safre

Origin: , perhaps alteration of safir, sapphire; see sapphire

Origin: , or from Arabic ṣufr, yellow copper, brass

Origin: , from ’aṣfar, yellow; see ṣpr² in Semitic roots

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