English Explanatory Dictionary

alkermes

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The desiccated bodies of certain insects (female Kermes ilicis and Kermes vermilio), which live on the kermes oak, formerly much used as a material for dye and a medicinal ingredient; also a given mixture, preparation etc. containing such insects.
  2. A red Italian alcoholic liqueur.

Pronunciation

/alˈkəːmɪz/

Word forms

alkermes

Etymology

From Middle French alkermès, probably from Spanish alquermes, from Arabic الْقِرْمِز (al-qirmiz), from Classical Persian کرمست (kirmist), from Middle Persian, from Sanskrit [Term?].

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