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

This contains "oleum calami," and the bitter principle "acorin."

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

Chemically the herb contains erythrocentaurin—a bitter principle of compound character,—together with the usual herbal constituents, but with scarcely any tannin.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

It contains a bitter principle "cnicin," resembling the similar tonic constituent of the Dandelion, this being likewise useful for stimulating a sluggish liver to more healthy action.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

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

From The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth

The greater Skullcap contains, in common with most other plants of the same order, a volatile oil, tannin, fat, some bitter principle, sugar, and cellulose.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas