Definition of Carminic acid

Carminic acid (C₂₂H₂₀O₁₃) is a red glucosidal hydroxyanthapurin that occurs naturally in some scale insects, such as the cochineal and the Polish cochineal. The insects produce the acid as a feeding deterrent. Carminic acid is the colouring agent in carmine. Synonyms are C.I. 75470 and C.I. Natural Red 4.

Crimson is a strong, bright, deep red color combined with some blue, resulting in a tiny degree of purple. It is originally the color of the dye produced from a scale insect, Kermes vermilio, but the name is now also used for slightly bluish-red colors in general that are between red and rose.