cochineal

• Substance colorante rouge obtenue à partir des corps séchés des femelles de la cochenille, un insecte qui se nourrit de cactus; désigne aussi cet insecte lui-même.

A noun referring to a red dye obtained from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects, or to the insect itself, which feeds on cacti and is the source of this dye.

1. B2formal

   A bright red dye made from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects, used in food, cosmetics, and textiles.

   Colorant rouge carmin

   • The ancient Aztecs used cochineal to dye their fabrics a vibrant red.
   • Many modern food products use cochineal extract as a natural coloring agent.
   • The artist preferred cochineal for its rich, lasting color.

   Synonymescarmine

2. C1formal

   A small, red scale insect native to Mexico and South America that lives on cacti and is the source of the cochineal dye.

   Cochenille (insecte)

   • Cochineal insects are often found on prickly pear cacti.
   • Farmers carefully harvest cochineal insects from the cactus pads.
   • The cochineal insect has been cultivated for its dye for centuries.

   Synonymescochineal insect