Lexic.us

Definition of Kermes

1. n. The dried bodies of the females of a scale insect (Coccus ilicis), allied to the cochineal insect, and found on several species of oak near the Mediterranean. 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.

2. n. A genus of scale insects including many species that feed on oaks. The adult female resembles a small gall.

Definition of Kermes

1. Noun. any of several insects of the genus ''Kermes'' ¹

2. Noun. Crimson dye made from the crushed bodies of these insects ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Kermes

1. a red dye [n KERMES]

Medical Definition of Kermes

1. 1. The dried bodies of the females of a scale insect (Coccus ilicis), allied to the cochineal insect, and found on several species of oak near the Mediterranean. They are round, about the size of a pea, contain colouring matter analogous to carmine, and are used in dyeing. They were anciently thought to be of a vegetable nature, and were used in medicine. Alternative forms: chermes. 2. A small European evergreen oak (Quercus coccifera) on which the kermes insect (Coccus ilicis) feeds. Kermes mineral. A compound of the trioxide and trisulphide of antimony, used in medicine. This substance occurs in nature as the mineral kermesite. Origin: Ar. & Per. Girmiz. See Crimson, and cf. Alkermes. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Kermes

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