bitter principle

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of several hundred natural compounds, usually of vegetable origin, having a bitter taste, and not admitting of any chemical classification.

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bitter principle British  

noun

1. any of various bitter-tasting substances, such as aloin, usually extracted from plants

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Etymology

Origin of bitter principle

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

White horehound contains a volatile oil, resin, a crystallizable bitter principle termed marrubiin and other substances, and has a not unpleasant aromatic odour, and a persistent bitter taste.

From Project Gutenberg

In the year 1821, several chemists isolated from coffee a bitter principle, of peculiar properties, which was named caffein.

From Project Gutenberg

They were a favorite spring tonic, where all physicians and housewives prescribed "the bitter principle" in the spring time.

From Project Gutenberg

The bark and leaves have an intensely bitter principle, similar to quinine and equally efficacious.

From Project Gutenberg

Turnips contain a large quantity of matter capable of affording nourishment to the body, but they yield little or none of the bitter principle.

From Project Gutenberg