any of a large class of water-insoluble dyes, such as indigo and the anthraquinone derivatives, that are used particularly on cellulosic fibres. The dye is applied in a soluble, reduced form to impregnate the fibre and then oxidized in the fibre back to its original insoluble form. Vat dyes are especially fast to light and washing. Brilliant colours can be obtained in most shades. Originated in medieval Europe, vat dyes were so named because of the vats used in the reduction of indigo plants through fermentation.