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.

---

bitter principle British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of bitter principle

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Four species have been shown by M. G. Bertrand to contain no caffeine at all, but instead a considerable quantity of a bitter principle.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various

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

From Old-Time Gardens Newly Set Forth by Earle, Alice Morse

Picamar, pik′a-m�r, n. the bitter principle of tar.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

From the leaves are obtainable a colouring matter named ilixanthin, ilicic acid, and a bitter principle, ilicin, which has been variously described by different analytical chemists.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various

The active, bitter principle of the Marigold is "callendulin," which is yellow and tasteless, whilst swelling in water into a transparent jelly.

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