A reddish oxide of lead (Pb3O4) used as a pigment in paints and in glass and ceramics

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Minium , also known as red lead , is a bright orange red pigment that was widely used in the Middle Ages for the decoration of manuscripts and for painting. It was made by roasting white lead pigment in the air; the white lead would gradually turn yellow, ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a reddish oxide of lead (Pb3O4) used as a pigment in paints and in glass and ceramics [syn: red lead ]

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context now historical English) cinnabar, especially when used as a pigment; vermilion. (from 14th c.) 2 red lead. (from 17th c.)

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
minium \min"i*um\ (?; 277), n. [L. minium, an Iberian word, the Romans getting all their cinnabar from Spain; cf. Basque armine['a].] (Chem.) A heavy, brilliant red pigment, consisting of an oxide of lead, Pb3O4 , obtained by exposing lead or massicot ...