from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Carmine \Car"mine\, n. [F. carmin (cf. Sp. carmin, It.
carminio), contr. from LL. carmesinus purple color. See
{Crimson}.]
1. A rich red or crimson color with a shade of purple.
[1913 Webster]
2. A beautiful pigment, or a lake, of this color, prepared
from cochineal, and used in miniature painting.
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3. (Chem.) The essential coloring principle of cochineal,
extracted as a purple-red amorphous mass. It is a
glucoside and possesses acid properties; -- hence called
also {carminic acid}.
[1913 Webster]
{Carmine red} (Chem.), a coloring matter obtained from
carmine as a purple-red substance, and probably allied to
the phthale["i]ns.
[1913 Webster]