Cochineal

Pronunciation: /ˌkɑʊtʃɪˈniːl/

Definitions of cochineal

noun a red dye obtained from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects, used in coloring food and cosmetics

Example Sentences

A1 Cochineal is a red dye made from insects.

A2 Some people are allergic to cochineal extract found in food products.

B1 The use of cochineal as a coloring agent in food has been a topic of debate.

B2 Cochineal has been used for centuries in traditional textile dyeing processes.

C1 The production of cochineal involves harvesting and drying the insects.

C2 Artists sometimes use cochineal as a natural pigment in their paintings.

Examples of cochineal in a Sentence

formal Cochineal is a natural red dye derived from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects.

informal Did you know that cochineal is used as a food coloring in many products?

slang I heard that some people call cochineal 'bug juice' because it comes from insects.

figurative The artist used cochineal in her painting to create a vibrant red hue.

Grammatical Forms of cochineal

• plural: cochineals
• comparative: more cochineal
• superlative: most cochineal
• present tense: cochineals
• future tense: will cochineal
• perfect tense: have cochinealed
• continuous tense: is cochinealing
• singular: cochineal
• positive degree: cochineal
• infinitive: to cochineal
• gerund: cochinealing
• participle: cochinealed

Origin and Evolution of cochineal

First Known Use: 1520 year

Language of Origin: Spanish

Story behind the word: The word 'cochineal' originated from the Spanish word 'cochinilla' which comes from the Latin word 'coccineus' meaning scarlet.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the insect from which a red dye is extracted, the word 'cochineal' has evolved to also describe the dye itself and products made from it.