Car"mine (?), 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.
2.
A beautiful pigment, or a lake, of this color, prepared from cochineal, and used in miniature painting.
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.
Carmine red Chem., a coloring matter obtained from carmine as a purple-red substance, and probably allied to the phthaleins.
© Webster 1913.