cochineal insect

noun

Definition of cochineal insect

: a small red cactus-feeding scale insect (Dactylopius coccus) the females of which are the source of cochineal

Recent Examples on the Web

Carmine, a bright-red color, is created by crushing Armenian and Polish cochineal insects, species that are now endangered. — Jackie Mansky, Smithsonian, "Peek into the Colorful History of the World’s Largest Pigment Collection," 14 Mar. 2018

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More Definitions for cochineal insect

cochineal insect

noun

: a small bright red cactus-feeding scale insect (Dactylopius coccus) the females of which are the source of cochineal