Definition:
cochineals
- cochinealsThe dried bodies of a female scale insect, which are crushed to yield this dye
- cochinealsCOCHINEAL, a dyestuff consisting of the dried bodies of females of the Coccus cacti, an insect native in Mexico, Central America, etc
- cochinealsA scarlet dye used chiefly for coloring food
- cochinealsA similar dye or preparation made from the oak kermes insect (see kermes)
- cochinealsThe scale insect that is used for cochineal, native to Mexico and formerly widely cultivated on cacti