erythritol

[ ih-rith-ri-tawl, -tol ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble, sweet-tasting, tetrahydroxyl compound, C 4 H 10 O 4 , related to the carbohydrates, obtained from certain lichens and used for coronary vasodilation and in the treatment of hypertension.

erythritol

/ ɪˈrɪθrɪˌtɒl /

noun

1. a sweet crystalline compound extracted from certain algae and lichens and used in medicine to dilate the blood vessels of the heart; 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol. Formula: C 4 H 10 O 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of erythritol¹

First recorded in 1890–95; erythrite + -ol ¹