cochineal

[ koch-uh-neel, koh-chuh-, koch-uh-neel, koh-chuh- ]

noun

1. a red dye prepared from the dried bodies of the females of the cochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus, which lives on cactuses of Mexico, Central America, and other warm regions.

cochineal

/ ˌkɒtʃɪˈniːl; ˈkɒtʃɪˌniːl /

noun

1. Also calledcochineal insect a Mexican homopterous insect, Dactylopius coccus, that feeds on cacti
2. a crimson substance obtained from the crushed bodies of these insects, used for colouring food and for dyeing
3. 1. the colour of this dye
   2. ( as adjective )

      cochineal shoes

Word History and Origins

Origin of cochineal¹

1575–85; < Middle French cochinille < Spanish cochinilla the insect; of obscure origin; perhaps to be identified with Spanish cochinilla sow bug (assuming a likeness between it and the female cochineal insect), diminutive of cochina sow, but chronology is doubtful

Word History and Origins

Origin of cochineal¹

C16: from Old Spanish cochinilla, from Latin coccineus scarlet-coloured, from coccum cochineal kermes, from Greek kokkos kermes berry

Example Sentences

For example, that big kerfuffle when it was discovered that Starbucks was using ground up cochineal bugs to color one of its red drinks.

From Nautilus

Most ice creams, yogurts, chapsticks, and candies already use cochineal insects for coloring.

From The Daily Beast

Cotton was also grown and brilliant garments woven from it which were dyed with cochineal and pigments formed from various plants.

From Project Gutenberg

The color is a brick red, neither the cochineal or pink previously used.

From Project Gutenberg

Aniline-red or cochineal-carmine may be added to improve the color of chopped or ground meats.

From Project Gutenberg

Aniline red and cochineal carmine are usually employed for this purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Cochineal, if present, will produce a characteristic emerald-green color.

From Project Gutenberg