Mustard
/ˈmʌstərd/
Mustard refers to both a pungent yellow or brown condiment made from mustard seeds and a warm yellowish-brown color resembling it.
Examples
- She painted the wall a soft mustard shade.
- That mustard dress really stands out.
- They argued over whether mustard or olive green looked better.
- He spread a thick layer of mustard on his sandwich.
- His jacket was an odd mustard color.
Meanings
The word comes from Latin mustum ardens, referring to the burning taste of the condiment made with unfermented grape juice (mustum) and mustard seeds. It passed into Old French as mostarde and then into Middle English as mustarde.
Examples
- He spread a thick layer of mustard on his sandwich.
- The hot dog tastes better with extra mustard.
- She mustarded the roast before putting it in the oven.
- They sell organic mustard at the farmers market.
- The chef mustarded the chicken and grilled it slowly.
The color sense emerged in the late 19th century, directly named after the appearance of the condiment.
Examples
- She painted the wall a soft mustard shade.
- His jacket was an odd mustard color.
- The interior designer chose mustard for the accent chairs.
- That mustard dress really stands out.
- They argued over whether mustard or olive green looked better.