cochineal

• Substantivo que designa o corante vermelho extraído do corpo seco das fêmeas do inseto cochonilha, ou o próprio inseto que se alimenta de cactos e é a fonte desse corante.

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.

   Corante vermelho

   • 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.

   Sinônimoscarmine

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.

   Cochonilha

   • 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.

   Sinônimoscochineal insect