Arnatto is a natural pigment extracted from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree, commonly known as the lipstick tree. It is widely used in the food industry as a natural food coloring agent, and also in the cosmetic industry as a natural dye. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of arnatto, its origin, and its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Arnatto is defined as a natural pigment extracted from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree, which is used as a food coloring agent and a natural dye in the cosmetic industry. It is also known as annatto or achiote.
Origin
The Bixa orellana tree is native to South America, but it is now cultivated in many tropical regions around the world. The use of arnatto as a food coloring agent dates back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, who used it to color their food and textiles. The pigment was also used by the indigenous people of South America as a natural sunscreen and insect repellent.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, arnatto is defined as “a yellow-orange dye or coloring extracted from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree, used in food and cosmetics.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a yellowish-red dye or color obtained from the pulp around the seeds of a tropical American tree and used as a coloring matter for food, textiles, and cosmetics.”
Associations
Arnatto is associated with natural and organic products, as it is a natural pigment derived from a plant. It is also associated with South American and Mexican cuisine, as it is commonly used to color dishes such as rice, cheese, and meat. In the cosmetic industry, it is associated with natural and eco-friendly products, as it is a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
Synonyms
Arnatto is also known as annatto or achiote. Other synonyms include bixa, lipstick tree, and roucou.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of arnatto, as it is a natural pigment and not a concept that can be opposed. However, synthetic food dyes and artificial colorings can be considered the opposite of arnatto, as they are not natural and are often associated with negative health effects.
The same root words
The word arnatto comes from the Spanish word achiote, which in turn comes from the Nahuatl word achiotl. Other words with the same root include achote, achoteo, and achiotero.
Example Sentences
- The cheese was colored with arnatto to give it a bright orange hue.
- The natural lipstick was colored with arnatto, giving it a warm and subtle shade.
- The indigenous people of South America have been using arnatto for centuries as a natural sunscreen and insect repellent.
- The food industry is moving towards natural food colorings such as arnatto, to meet the growing demand for organic and natural products.
- The use of synthetic food dyes has been linked to negative health effects, making arnatto a popular alternative for food coloring.