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noun Cochineal n. A dyestuff consisting of the dried bodies of females of the Coccus cacti, an insect native in Mexico, Central America, etc., and found on several species of cactus, esp. Opuntia cochinellifera. Note: These insects are gathered from the plant, killed by the application of heat, and exposed to the sun to dry. When dried they resemble small, rough berries or seeds, of a brown or purple color, and form the cochineal of the shops, which is used for making carmine, and also as a red dye. Note: Cochineal contains as its essential coloring matter carminic acid, a purple red amorphous substance which yields carmine red.
Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48
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