English dictionary
kermes
/'k/[@]/rm/i/z/
Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.
noun
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The dried bodies of the females of a scale insect (<i>Coccus ilicis</i>), 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.
Source: webster1913
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A genus of scale insects including many species that feed on oaks. The adult female resembles a small gall.
Source: webster1913