also: きに
falsification; alteration; doctoring
Figurative use derived from the practice of using orpiment to alter documents. Refers to tampering with or falsifying written records.
Gamboge, like orpiment, was used as a yellow paint.
Falsification of the ancient document was suspected, and its authenticity became an issue.
Standard kanji spelling for the mineral orpiment and derived pigments; also used in the figurative sense of falsification.
Rare reading; may appear in historical or specialized contexts.
The kanji 雌 (female) and 黄 (yellow) together refer to orpiment, a yellow mineral. The figurative sense of 'falsification' comes from the historical use of orpiment to alter documents. The reading しおう is the standard Sino-Japanese reading; きに is a rare alternative reading.