01 n. The dried bodies of the females of a scale insect (Kermes ilices formerly Coccus ilicis), allied to the cochineal insect, and found on seve…
-
1.
The dried bodies of the females of a scale insect (Kermes ilices formerly Coccus ilicis), allied to the cochineal insect, and found on several species of oak near the Mediterranean; also, the dye obtained from them. They are round, about the size of a pea, contain coloring matter analogous to carmine, and are used in dyeing. They were anciently thought to be of a vegetable nature, and were used in medicine.(Zool.)
-
2.
A small European evergreen oak (Quercus coccifera) on which the kermes insect (Kermes ilices, formerly Coccus ilicis) feeds.(Bot.)
-
3.
A genus of scale insects including many species that feed on oaks. The adult female resembles a small gall.(Zool.)
Phrases & compounds
Kermes mineral —
An artificial amorphous trisulphide of antimony; -- so called on account of its red color.