cochineal

noun

co·chi·neal | \ ˈkä-chə-ˌnēl

, ˈkō-\

Definition of cochineal

1 : a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects

2 : cochineal insect

Recent Examples on the Web

The paintings are by Metsu and Ter Borch, the compositions and concepts subtly varied, yet each includes an elegant young woman in a shimmering white silk skirt and a cochineal-red bodice. — Karen Wilkin, WSJ, "‘Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry’ Review: Conversing via Canvas," 23 Oct. 2017 Starbucks was using what is called a cochineal dye, which is a natural dye derived from insects, to color its strawberry Frappuccinos. — Joe Pinsker, The Atlantic, "Americans’ Bizarre Relationship With the Color of Their Food," 8 May 2017

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More Definitions for cochineal

cochineal

noun

co·chi·neal | \ ˈkäch-ə-ˌnēl, ˈkō-chə-

: a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects used especially as a biological stain and as an indicator