Cochineal

usgb/ˈkɑːtʃəniːl/
noun

A kind of insect from which a red dye is made.

The red color in her lipstick comes from cochineal.
Visual representation of "cochineal" - A kind of insect from which a red dye is made.

Often appears as...

  • cochineal dye
  • cochineal insect
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cochineal"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Source Awareness

Understand that 'cochineal' refers to the insect used historically for red dye.

Illustration for Source Awareness
Natural history museums sometimes display the cochineal insect.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Color Origin

Realize that 'cochineal' isn't only the bug, it's also the source of red in many products.

Illustration for Color Origin
Several old paintings owe their vivid reds to cochineal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Vegan Caution

Recognize that products with cochineal are often avoided by vegans due to its animal origin.

Illustration for Vegan Caution
This candy is not vegan; it contains cochineal for coloring.
Visual representation of the word "Cochineal"

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