Kermes

n.
  1. (Zoöl.) 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. (Zoöl.) A genus of scale insects including many species that feed on oaks. The adult female resembles a small gall.
    4. Kermes mineral . (a) (Old Chem.)
    An artificial amorphous trisulphide of antimony; -- so called on account of its red color.