kermes

noun

ker·​mes ˈkər-(ˌ)mēz 

: 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

Word History

Etymology

French kermès, from Arabic qirmiz

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kermes

• hermes
• termes