cochineal

noun

co·chi·neal | \ ˈkä-chə-ˌnēl

How to pronounce cochineal (audio)

, ˈkō-\

Definition of cochineal

1 : a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects

2 : cochineal insect

Examples of cochineal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The paintings are by Metsu and Ter Borch, the compositions and concepts subtly varied, yet each includes an elegant young woman in a shimmering white silk skirt and a cochineal-red bodice. — Karen Wilkin, WSJ, "‘Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry’ Review: Conversing via Canvas," 23 Oct. 2017 Starbucks was using what is called a cochineal dye, which is a natural dye derived from insects, to color its strawberry Frappuccinos. — Joe Pinsker, The Atlantic, "Americans’ Bizarre Relationship With the Color of Their Food," 8 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cochineal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near cochineal

cochineal insect

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Time Traveler for cochineal

The first known use of cochineal was in 1582

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More Definitions for cochineal

cochineal

noun

co·chi·neal | \ ˈkäch-ə-ˌnēl, ˈkō-chə-

\

Medical Definition of cochineal

: a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects used especially as a biological stain and as an indicator

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