caput mortuum

Originally from alchemy, 'caput mortuum' means 'dead head' in Latin and has both scientific and artistic applications.

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Definition

C2Alchemy

(historical, technical)The worthless residue left after a chemical process such as distillation or sublimation.

Example

In ancient alchemy, the caput mortuum was often discarded as it had no further use.

C1Art

(technical)A dark purplish-brown pigment made from iron oxide.

Example

The artist used caput mortuum to paint the rich robes of the religious figures.

C2General

(figurative)Something considered worthless or useless.

Example

After the project's failure, all the effort seemed like caput mortuum.