alkannin

[ al-kan-in ]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a dark red, amorphous, water-insoluble powder, C 16 H 16 O 5 , obtained from the root of the alkanet: used chiefly for coloring fats, oils, and pharmaceuticals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alkannin¹

< New Latin alkann ( a ) < Medieval Latin alchanna ( alkanet ) + -in ²