Other Definitions
kermes (enc)

Kermes

n.	1.	(Zool.) The dried bodies of the females of a scale insect (Kermes ilices formerly Coccus ilicis), allied to the cochineal insect, and found on several species of oak near the Mediterranean; also, the dye obtained from them. They are round, about the size of a pea, contain coloring matter analogous to carmine, and are used in dyeing. They were anciently thought to be of a vegetable nature, and were used in medicine.
	2.	(Bot.) A small European evergreen oak (Quercus coccifera) on which the kermes insect (Kermes ilices, formerly Coccus ilicis) feeds.
	3.	(Zool.) A genus of scale insects including many species that feed on oaks. The adult female resembles a small gall. Kermes mineral a - (Old Chem.) An artificial amorphous trisulphide of antimony; - so called on account of its red color. b - (Med. Chem.) A compound of the trioxide and trisulphide of antimony, used in medicine. This substance occurs in nature as the mineral kermesite.   << Previous Word Browser Next >> keratoscleritis keratoscope keratoscopy keratose keratosis keratosis blennorrhagica keratosis follicularis keratosis nigricans keratosis pilaris keratotomy keraunograph kerb kerb crawler kerbala kerbela kerbstone kercher kerchered kerchief kerchiefed kerensky kerf kerfuffle kerion kerite kerl kermesse kern kern baby kerned kernel kerneled kernelly kernicterus kernig's sign kernish kernite kerolite kerosene kerosene heater kerosene lamp kerosine kerosine heater kerosine lamp