magenta \ma*gen"ta\ (m[.a]*j[e^]n"t[.a]), n. (Chem.)
An aniline dye obtained as an amorphous substance having a
green bronze surface color, which dissolves to a shade of
red; also, the color; -- so called from Magenta, in Italy, in
allusion to the battle fought there about the time the dye
was discovered. Called also {fuchsin}, {fuchsine}, {roseine},
etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. The purplish-red color of magenta.
[PJC]