kermes Definition
- 1a small red insect that lives on oak trees and is used to make a scarlet dye
- 2a brilliant red color
Using kermes: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "kermes" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cloth was dyed with kermes.
Example
The painting was dominated by shades of kermes.
Example
Her dress was a deep shade of kermes.
kermes Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with kermes
an evergreen oak tree native to the Mediterranean region, whose acorns are used to feed livestock and whose wood is used for fuel and charcoal production
Example
The kermes oak is an important source of food and fuel in many regions.
Example
Kermes mineral was widely used in medieval art and decoration.
a small insect that feeds on oak trees and produces a red dye, similar to the kermes insect
Example
The kermes scale is often confused with the true kermes insect.
Origins of kermes
from Middle English 'kermes', from Old French 'cramoisi', from Arabic 'qirmizī', from 'qirmiz' (the insect)
Summary: kermes in Brief
The term 'kermes' [kur-meez] refers to a small red insect that lives on oak trees and is used to make a scarlet dye, as well as the brilliant red color it produces. It is commonly used to describe shades of red in art and fashion, such as 'Her dress was a deep shade of kermes.' 'Kermes' also extends into phrases like 'kermes oak,' denoting a type of evergreen oak tree, and 'kermes mineral,' a red pigment made from the crushed bodies of female kermes insects.
