-carmines-

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 phthaleïns. [ 1913 Webster ]