rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypuceDark brownish purple
adjective / noun

puce

PYOOS/pjuːs/

A dark purple color with reddish-brown tones.

The folded fabric displays a dark puce color.

A single loosely folded piece of puce fabric, its broad surface clearly displaying a dark, muted brownish-purple color with reddish undertones.
Etymology
puceLatinflea

Puce literally means “flea-color.” Its brownish-purple shade may have been named for the scab or stain left by a flea bite, though that specific connection is uncertain.

In context

Crystal's Color & Style1:04
puce originally was said to be the color of bloodstains on linen or bed sheets from flea droppings or after a flea had been crushed
Color Stories Episode 19: Puce

More examples

  • The fabric had faded to a muted puce.
  • He selected puce for the upholstered chair.
  • A dark puce ribbon edged the hat.

Forms

puce

Similar words

maroon
Maroon is a dark brownish red; puce usually has stronger muted purple tones.
mauve
Mauve is generally a paler purple; puce is darker and browner.