COCCUS CACTI
\kˈɒkəs kˈakta͡ɪ], \kˈɒkəs kˈaktaɪ], \k_ˈɒ_k_ə_s k_ˈa_k_t_aɪ]\
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Class, Insecta. Order, Hemiptera. The cochineal insects have a faint, heavy odour; their taste is acrid, bitterish, and astringent; colour blackish-red externally,-purple-red within. They are used chiefly forgiving a red colour to tinctures, &c. They were, at one time, esteemed astringent, stimulant, diuretic, and anodyne.
By Robley Dunglison
Word of the day
Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.