Kermes

n.	1.	(Zool.) 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.	(Zool.) A genus of scale insects including many species that feed on oaks. The adult female resembles a small gall. Kermes mineral a - (Old Chem.) An artificial amorphous trisulphide of antimony; - so called on account of its red color. b - (Med. Chem.) A compound of the trioxide and trisulphide of antimony, used in medicine. This substance occurs in nature as the mineral kermesite.