alkermes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Archaic/Historical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “alkermes” mean?
A red cordial or liqueur, originally made from the dried bodies of kermes insects, later from other ingredients.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A red cordial or liqueur, originally made from the dried bodies of kermes insects, later from other ingredients.
Historically, a medicinal or celebratory alcoholic drink flavoured and coloured with kermes or other red substances such as cochineal. Also refers to the crimson dye or pigment derived from the kermes insect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in contemporary usage as the word is obsolete. Historical texts in both regions may use it.
Connotations
Connotes historical recipes, apothecary practices, or old-world luxury.
Frequency
Extremely rare and archaic in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “alkermes” in a Sentence
[N of alkermes][Adj alkermes]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alkermes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The alkermes dye was highly prized.
American English
- The recipe called for alkermes syrup.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in historical, pharmaceutical, or culinary history texts discussing Renaissance medicine or food.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Found in historical pharmacology texts or in discussions of natural dyes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alkermes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alkermes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alkermes”
- Misspelling as 'alkermees', 'alchermes', or 'al kermes'. Confusing it with the Italian liqueur 'Alchermes', which is a later, related derivative.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in its original insect-based form. The name survives in some Italian liqueurs like 'Alchermes', which is artificially coloured.
It was originally made from the dried bodies of the female kermes insect (Kermes vermilio).
No, it is an archaic and highly specialised term encountered only in historical contexts.
In British English: /ælˈkɜː.mɪz/. In American English: /ælˈkɝ.mɪz/. The stress is on the second syllable.
A red cordial or liqueur, originally made from the dried bodies of kermes insects, later from other ingredients.
Alkermes is usually archaic/historical/technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AL' the KERmes insect makes MES (mess) with red dye.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY IS A FADED PIGMENT (the word itself represents a faded, obscure piece of historical knowledge).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'alkermes' primarily known as?