Definition

Noun: A scarlet or crimson dye, similar in color to cochineal, historically obtained by treating stick lac (a resinous secretion from insects) with an alkali solution.

Usage

Lac dye refers specifically to the coloring substance itself, not the process or the source material. - The traditional fabric was colored using lac dye. - Lac dye produces a vibrant scarlet hue.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Craft Context: Primarily used in historical texts or discussions of traditional dyeing methods, textiles, and artisanal crafts.
  • The recipe for extracting lac dye was a closely guarded secret among dyers.

Variants and Related Words

• Stick lac: The raw, resinous incrustation on tree twigs, secreted by the lac insect (), which is the source material for the dye.
• Shellac: A refined product also derived from lac, but used primarily as a wood finish or sealant, not as a dye.
• Cochineal: A different red dye derived from a different insect (), often compared to lac dye in color.

Synonyms

• Crimson dye (when specifying the color)
• Scarlet dye (when specifying the color)

Notes on Meaning

This term is highly specific. It denotes the extracted pigment, not the insect, the resin, or the dyed object. Its usage is largely technical or historical.

Noun

1. scarlet dye like cochineal; extracted with alkali from stick lac