Cār'mīne, n.

(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. & Sp. carmin, It. carminio, contracted from L. Lat. carmesinus, purple color, It. carmesino, Sp. carmesi, Eng. crimson, q. v.]

1. A beautiful pigment or lake, of a rich red or crimson color, prepared from cochineal boiled usually with carbonate of potash or soda, the solution being precipitated by a weak acid or an acid salt. It is chiefly used in miniature painting and water colors. Tomlinson.
2. (Chem.) The coloring matter of cochineal. Gregory.