noun
- Plural of orpiment; a bright yellow mineral form of arsenic sulfide, historically used as a pigment and in traditional medicine.
Usage: Chiefly used in historical, artistic, or scientific contexts.; The singular form is 'orpiment'.
Examples
- Medieval manuscripts were illuminated with orpiments to create vivid yellow hues.
- The artist ground orpiments into a fine powder to mix with oil paint.
- Orpiments were valued in alchemy for their striking color and chemical properties.
- Ancient texts describe the use of orpiments in both art and folk remedies.
- The museum's collection includes samples of orpiments from various historical periods.