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minium

(Science: chemistry) A heavy, brilliant red pigment, consisting of an oxide of lead, Pb3O4, obtained by exposing lead or massicot to a gentle and continued heat in the air. It is used as a cement, as a paint, and in the manufacture of flint glass.

Synonym: red lead.

Origin: L. Minium, an Iberian word, the Romans getting all their cinnabar from Spain; cf. Basque arminea.