COCHINEAL INSECT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does cochineal insect mean? 

• COCHINEAL INSECT (noun)
  The noun COCHINEAL INSECT has 1 sense:

1. Mexican red scale insect that feeds on cacti; the source of a red dye

  Familiarity information: COCHINEAL INSECT used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• COCHINEAL INSECT (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Mexican red scale insect that feeds on cacti; the source of a red dye

Classified under:

Nouns denoting animals

Synonyms:

cochineal; cochineal insect; Dactylopius coccus

Hypernyms ("cochineal insect" is a kind of...):

scale insect (small homopterous insect that usually lives and feeds on plants and secretes a protective waxy covering)

Holonyms ("cochineal insect" is a member of...):

Dactylopius; genus Dactylopius (type genus of the Dactylopiidae)