COCHINEAL INSECT


Meaning of COCHINEAL INSECT in English

noun

1. : a small bright red insect ( Dactylopius coccus ) that is related to and resembles the mealybug in appearance and habits, feeds on cactus (especially of the genera Nopalia and Opuntia ), and has long been a source of red dyes

2. : any of certain other insects closely related to the cochineal insect and usually of similar coloring

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.