Words denoting colours in the Dictionary of the Russian Academy (1789–1794)

The article provides a general review of the vocabulary of color designation recorded in the entire text of the Dictionary of the Russian Academy (1789–1794). The lexicographic comprehension of the vocabulary of color terms is analyzed and its representation in the Dictionary is classified. Colour naming is divided into three groups depending on the inclusion in the register list or its using in the interpretative part of the Dictionary: color names that act as the top of the wordbuilding nest; color designations included in the word-building nest; designations of colors and shades, used only in the interpretative part. Descriptive models are presented in the Dictionary of color names denoting color shades. The trends of the development of a group of color terms are traced, the appearance of new color names, and their reflection in the Dictionary. The importance of the Dictionary of the Russian Academy as a source for studying the vocabulary of the Russian language of the 18^th century is emphasized.