1. Plural of cochineal; small insects native to Mexico and Central America, used to produce a bright red dye.
Usage: Usually used in plural form when referring to multiple insects or as a mass noun for the dye product.
2. The bright red or crimson dye extracted from cochineal insects, used in textiles, cosmetics, and food coloring.
Usage: Often used as a mass noun; also called carmine or cochineal red.

Examples

• Cochineals were highly valued by European dyers in the 16th century.
• The fabric was dyed with cochineals to achieve that deep crimson color.
• Cochineals remain an important natural dye source in the textile industry.
• Many cosmetics use cochineals as a natural red pigment.
• The Spanish conquistadors discovered that indigenous peoples used cochineals for dyeing.
• Food manufacturers sometimes use cochineals as a natural food coloring.