Cochineal
/ˌkɒtʃɪˈniːl/noun
A red dye made from crushed cochineal insects, especially the females of the species Dactylopius coccus.
Did you know?Cochineal became one of the most prized red dyes in Europe, and its vivid color came from carminic acid produced by the insect as a chemical defense.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
cochineal
“A scarlet dye or pigment made from cochineal insects.”
16th Century
Spanish
cochinilla
“The cochineal insect; later also the dye made from it.”
16th Century
Nahuatl
nocheztli
“Literally 'prickly pear blood,' referring to the red dye or insect source.”
16th Century
Spanish
cochinilla de nopal
“The insect living on cactus pads and used for red dye production.”