cochineal

/ˌkɑtʃəˈniəl/
/ˈkɒtʃinil/
IPA guide

Other forms: cochineals

Definitions of cochineal
  1. noun
    Mexican red scale insect that feeds on cacti; the source of a red dye
    synonyms: Dactylopius coccus, cochineal insect
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    type of:
    scale insect
    small homopterous insect that usually lives and feeds on plants and secretes a protective waxy covering
  2. noun
    a red dyestuff consisting of dried bodies of female cochineal insects
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    type of:
    dye, dyestuff
    a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
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