alkermes

noun

al·​ker·​mes
alˈkərmēz,
-mə̇s;
ˌalkərˈmes
plural -es
1
obsolete : the kermes insect
2
: an originally Italian liqueur made of brandy flavored with bay leaves, mace, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon and colored a brilliant red with the kermes insect or with cochineal

Word History

Etymology

French alkermès, from Spanish alkermes (now usually alquermes), from Arabic al-qirmiz the alkermes

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkermes was in 1583

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Dictionary Entries Near alkermes

alkenylation

alkermes

alk gum

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Cite this Entry

“Alkermes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkermes. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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