Candidus
/KAN-dih-dus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: candida, candidum
A color epithet describing a pure, brilliantly glistening white — the whitest of all the Latin white epithets, implying an almost radiant, dazzling whiteness. Distinct from albus (plain white), niveus (snow-white), and dealbatus (whitened). Appears as candidus (masculine), candida (feminine), or candidum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin candidus, meaning "pure white," "brilliant white," or "radiant," from candere (to shine, to glow).
Example
“Lilium candidum (Madonna lily) has among the most immaculately pure white flowers of any plant in cultivation — the epithet acknowledging a whiteness so pristine it became the symbol of purity in Western art.”