KERMES

n. 1 the female of a bug, Kermes ilicis, with a berry-like appearance. 2 (in full kermes oak) an evergreen oak, Quercus coccifera, of S. Europe and N. Africa, on which this insect feeds. 3 a red dye made from the dried bodies of these insects. 4 (in full kermes mineral) a bright red hydrous trisulphide of antimony. [F kermës f. Arab. & Pers. kirmiz: rel. to CRIMSON]