1. a red dye made from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects
2. a small scale insect that feeds on cactus plants and is used to produce red dye

Examples

• The artist mixed cochineal with oil to create a vibrant red paint.
• Cochineal has been used as a natural dye for centuries.
• The textile industry once relied heavily on cochineal for red coloring.
• Cochineal insects are harvested from prickly pear cacti.
• Many cosmetics contain cochineal as a red pigment.
• The museum displayed fabrics dyed with traditional cochineal.
• Cochineal produces a more stable color than many synthetic dyes.