carmine

Everyday

1. A deep, bright red colour. tree →
2. A red dye or paint made from cochineal insects, used in food, make-up and art. tree →

In the lessons

In art lessons carmine is one of the reds in a paint box. In science and food labels, carmine (also «E120» or «cochineal extract») is a natural red colouring made from crushed insects, so it is not vegetarian. Related: crimson, scarlet, cochineal.

Examples

• She painted the rose petals carmine. tree →
• Carmine is a deep, rich red. tree →
• The strawberry yoghurt was coloured with carmine. tree →
• Carmine is made from tiny insects called cochineal. tree →
• The artist mixed carmine with white to make pink. tree →
• The label said «colour: carmine (E120)». tree →

Note

Say «KAR-mine» or «KAR-min». Uncountable. Vegetarians and vegans often avoid carmine because it comes from insects.