magenta \magen"ta\ m.aje^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
see also:
fuchsin fuchsine roseine