Coccineous
/kɒkˈsɪn.i.əs/noun
Of a bright scarlet or crimson color.
Did you know?The word ultimately evokes Latin coccum, a red dye-producing substance associated with scale insects, including kermes, rather than merely an abstract color.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κόκκος (kókkos)
“A berry, seed, or small grain; the term was also applied to red dye-producing bodies.”
Classical Latin
Latin
coccum
“A scarlet dye substance, especially the dried bodies of scale insects used to produce red color.”
Classical Latin
Latin
coccineus
“Scarlet-colored or crimson.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
coccineus
“Relating to scarlet or a vivid red color; used in learned color vocabulary.”
17th Century
English
coccineous
“Scarlet-colored or crimson, especially in scientific or literary description.”
Modern English
English
coccineous
“Bright scarlet or crimson in color; a rare descriptive adjective.”