1. Also, Tyrian dye. a deep crimson or purple dye used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and certain other Mediterranean peoples. It is known to have been obtained from various shellfish, but the exact formula for it is now unknown. It was primarily because of the high cost of obtaining Tyrian purple that the possession of purple cloth was evidence in ancient times of royalty or wealth.
2. a bluish red.
Tyr|i|an-pur|ple «TIHR ee uhn PUR puhl», adjective.
of the color Tyrian purple; bluish-red.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.