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.
Etymology: F kerm{egrave}s f. Arab. & Pers. kirmiz: rel. to CRIMSON