cochineal 1 . ( Of the Dim. of filthy , the shape of the animal). 1. f. terrestrial isopod crustacean, from one to two centimeters long, of hostas figure, dark grey colour with yellowish lateral spots, and very short legs. When it's up, becomes a ball. It breeds in wet places. cochineal of moisture. 1. f. Any species of terrestrial isopod. cochineal of San Antón. 1. f. mariquita (? Coleoptera insect). cochineal 2 . ( Del lat. ( coccinus , Scarlet, Scarlet, der. of coccum , quermes, hemipterous insect). 1. f. insect pest, native of Mexico, of the size of a Bedbug, but with the body transversely crumpled and covered with a whitish hair, conical head and short antennae filiform Horn. Lives on the cactus, and reduced to dust, it used much, and still, used to give color of scarlet silk, wool and other things. 2. f. colouring matter obtained from such insect. ? V. nopal from the cochineal