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

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

A weed which has a bitter principle from which a variety of quinine is extracted.

From The Wonder Island Boys: Exploring the Island by Finlay, Roger Thompson

It contains tannin, and a particular bitter principle.

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

A product, used as a substitute for or an adulterant of coffee, containing a bitter principle, and made from the root of the endive and other similar plants.

From The Wonder Island Boys: Exploring the Island by Finlay, Roger Thompson

Some of the acid-forming bacteria are able to develop a bitter principle, the milk retaining a pleasant odor and having the normal amount of acid, while the taste is intensely bitter.

From Outlines of dairy bacteriology A concise manual for the use of students in dairying by Hastings, Edwin George