Car*na"tion (?), n. [F. carnation the flesh tints in a painting, It carnagione, fr. L. carnatio fleshiness, fr. caro, carnis, flesh. See Carnal.]
1.
The natural color of flesh; rosy pink.
Her complexion of the delicate carnation.
Ld. Lytton.
2. pl. Paint.
Those parts of a picture in which the human body or any part of it is represented in full color; the flesh tints.
The flesh tints in painting are termed carnations.
Fairholt.
3. Bot.
A species of Dianthus (D. Caryophyllus) or pink, having very beautiful flowers of various colors, esp. white and usually a rich, spicy scent.
© Webster 1913.