Cochineal Meaning in English

word

US

ˌkɒtʃɪˈniː(ə)l

koh-chih-NEEL

UK

kˈɒtʃɪnˌiəl

koch-ih-NEE-uhl

Definition

Cochineal is a red dye made from dried insects found on cactus plants, or the insect itself. It is used to color food, cosmetics, and textiles.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in scientific, culinary, and cosmetic contexts, and is formal. Often appears as 'cochineal extract' in ingredient lists. Not to be confused with synthetic dyes or unrelated insects.

• Spanish: cochinilla
• Portuguese (BR): cochonilha
• Portuguese (PT): cochonilha
• Chinese (Simplified): 胭脂蟲 - 胭脂紅
• Chinese (Traditional): 胭脂蟲 - 胭脂紅
• Hindi: कोचीनियल
• Arabic: قرمز القرمز
• Bengali: কোচিনিল - লাল জামদানি (insect)
• Russian: кошениль - кошенильная краска
• Japanese: コチニール
• Vietnamese: cánh kiến đỏ
• Korean: 코치닐
• Turkish: koşinil
• Urdu: کوچنیل
• Indonesian: kokineal

Example Sentences

Cochineal is used to make red food coloring.

basic

The cochineal insect lives on cactus plants.

basic

Some people are allergic to cochineal.

basic

They use cochineal extract in some strawberry yogurt brands.

natural

The bright red scarf was dyed with cochineal centuries ago.

natural

I read that your red lipstick might actually contain cochineal.

natural