kermes
ker·mes
noun \ˈkər-(ˌ)mēz\Definition of KERMES
: the dried bodies of the females of various scale insects (genus Kermes) that are found on a Mediterranean oak (Quercus coccifera) and constitute a red dyestuff; also : the dye
Origin of KERMES
French kermès, from Arabic qirmiz
First Known Use: 1603
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