Definition of "quercitron" []

• The bright orange inner bark of the black oak, from which a yellow dye is obtained. (noun)
• The dye obtained from this bark. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Few previously unknown natural coloring sources brought into Europe at this time proved to have widespread commercial success; quercitron is the only example that comes readily to mind."
• "With regard to Mr. Watson Smith's observation as to fractional dyeing, he (Mr. Siebold) did not regard this method as a suitable trial for ascertaining the strength of an extract, but he admitted it was occasionally very valuable for detecting an admixture of extracts of other dyewoods, such as quercitron bark extract in logwood extract."
• "Bancroft's persuasive abilities were considerable: His 1775 patent for the sale of quercitron in Britain was renewed when he argued that war hindered his ability to exploit its rights. 43 Once the patent was extended, Bancroft turned to the Council of Commerce in Paris for a similar privilege in France; he controlled access to this improved coloring material and its coloring technique in both countries until his death."