xanthoxylin

noun

xan·​thox·​y·​lin
zanˈthäksələ̇n
plural -s
1
a
: a crystalline phenolic ketone C10H12O4 obtained from seeds of a shrubby Chinese tree (Zanthoxylum piperitum)
b
: any of several crystalline compounds obtained from the bark of other trees of the genus Zanthoxylum
especially : xanthoxyletin
2
or xanthoxylin extract : a purified alcoholic extract of prickly-ash bark

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary xanthoxyl- (from New Latin Xanthoxylum) + -in

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near xanthoxylin

Cite this Entry

“Xanthoxylin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xanthoxylin. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!