Dictionary entry

Indelible

Webster's Dictionary 1913

In‐del″i‐ble (?), a. [L. indelebilis; pref. in- not + delebilis capable of being destroyed: cf. F. indélébile. See In- not, and Deleble.] [Formerly written also indeleble, which accords with the etymology of the word.]

1. That can not be removed, washed away, blotted out, or effaced; incapable of being canceled, lost, or forgotten; as, indelible characters; an indelible stain; an indelible impression on the memory.

2. That can not be annulled; indestructible.

They are endued with indelible power from above. Sprat.

Indelible colors, fast colors which do not fade or tarnish by exposure. — Indelible ink, an ink not obliterated by washing; esp., a solution of silver nitrate.

Syn. — Fixed; fast; permanent; ineffaceable.

— In‐del″i‐ble‐ness, n. — In‐del″i‐bly, adv.

Indelibly stamped and impressed. J. Ellis.