purpuˈrascent,a.Zool. [ad.pres.pple. of L. purpurascĕre to become purple, f.purpurāre: see purpurate v.] Passing into purple. 1802Shaw Gen.Zool. III. 549 Purpurascent Snake. Coluber purpurascens... Violaceous-green Snake, with a pale line on each side the abdomen.