cochineal

Meanings

Noun

• A species of insect (Dactylopius coccus (species)).
• A vivid red dye made from the bodies of cochineal insects.
• The vivid red color of this dye.

Adjective

• Possessing a vivid red color, as produced from dying with cochineal.

Origin

• Borrowed from French cochenille, itself probably from Spanish cochinilla, or from Ancient Greek κόκκινος ("red tint"), from κόκκος, from Latin coccus ("berry or grain") (term applied to Kermes quercus (species), a scale insect used in the production of red dye)