ceruse

From French céruse, from Latin cērusa, variant of cērussa, q.v.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /sɪˈɹuːs/
• Rhymes: -uːs

ceruse (uncountable)

1. Synonym of white lead, a hydrate of lead mixed with carbonate, particularly as used to whiten skin or in early medicine.
   • 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Printed by John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC:

     , II.ii.1.1:

     Galen hath taken exceptions at such waters which run through leaden pipes, ob cerussam quæ in iis generatur, for that unctuous ceruse, which causeth dysenteries and fluxes […].

• Creuse, Rescue, cereus, cursee, recuse, rescue, secuer, secure

• IPA^(key): [ˈt͡ʃeruse]

ceruse

1. third-person singular pluperfect indicative of cere