1. a bright red or orange-red pigment consisting of lead oxide, used in paints and ceramics
Usage: chemistry; art

Examples

• The medieval manuscript was illuminated with minium and gold leaf.
• Artists in ancient Rome used minium to create vibrant red decorations.
• The pottery was glazed with minium to achieve a brilliant orange-red finish.
• Due to its lead content, minium is now rarely used in modern paints.
• The restoration expert identified traces of minium in the old fresco.