carmine

[ kahr-min, -mahyn ]

noun

1. a crimson or purplish-red color.
2. a crimson pigment obtained from cochineal.

carmine

/ ˈkɑːmaɪn /

noun

1. 1. a vivid red colour, sometimes with a purplish tinge
   2. ( as adjective )

      carmine paint

2. a pigment of this colour obtained from cochineal

Word History and Origins

Origin of carmine¹

1705–15; < French carmin (color), carmine (pigment), Old French; compare Medieval Latin carminium, perhaps blend of carmesīnum ( crimson ) and minium minium

Word History and Origins

Origin of carmine¹

C18: from Medieval Latin carmīnus, from Arabic qirmiz kermes

Example Sentences

For years he’s been reviving the use of natural rather than synthetic textile dyes, notably including carmine.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of Mexico’s most picturesque and imposing colonial cities, like Oaxaca, were essentially built on the wealth derived from cochineal dye, also called carmine, and known as “grana cochinilla” in Spanish.

From Seattle Times

During this Era of Exploration, consumers also got their pink cheeks and lips from other pigments like carmine, derived from cochineal insects harvested in Central and South America under similar conditions.

From National Geographic

VF: Pantone identifies it as a “hybrid color,” or “a carmine red that does not boldly dominate but instead takes a ‘fist in a velvet glove’ approach.”

From Seattle Times

And indigo carmine in particular is a common agent in tests involving the kidneys and bladder.

From Salon