albor

1. Albus (ἀλφός) denotes ‘white,’ as far as it is in general a negation of all color, as that which is colorless; candidus (from ξανθός), as being itself a positive color, and, as such, the purest and brightest, near which all other colors have a shade of darkness and duskiness, as a fine brilliant white. Albus, opposed to ater, approaches, like λευκόν, to yellowish; candidus, opposed to niger, approaches, like ἀργόν, to bluish. Alba cutis is the skin of the sick and dropsical; candida, that of the fair girl. Figuratively, albor is the symbol of good fortune and joy; candor, of purity of mind and innocence. 2. Albus denotes ‘white;’ albidus, only ‘whitish.’ (iii. 193.)