inositol

[ ih-noh-si-tawl, -tohl, ahy-noh- ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a compound, C 6 H 12 O 6 , derivative of cyclohexane, widely distributed in plants and seeds as phytin, and occurring in animal tissue and in urine: an essential growth factor for animal life, present in the vitamin B complex.
2. Pharmacology. the commercial form of this compound, a white, sweet, crystalline solid, used chiefly to promote epithelialization of the cervix after infection or injury.

inositol

/ ɪˈnəʊsɪˌtɒl /

noun

1. a cyclic alcohol, one isomer of which ( i -inositol) is present in yeast and is a growth factor for some organisms; cyclohexanehexol. Formula: C 6 H 12 O 6

inositol

/ ĭ-nō′sĭ-tôl′,-tōl′,ī-nō′- /

1. Any of nine isomeric alcohols, especially one found in plant and animal tissue and classified as a member of the vitamin B complex. Inositol is necessary for the growth of yeasts and other fungi, and in humans is especially abundant as part of a phospholipid found in the brain. Chemical formula: C 6 H 12 O 6 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of inositol¹

1890–95; inosite (< Greek īn-, stem of ī́s fiber, sinew + -ose ² + -ite ¹ ) + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of inositol¹

C19: from Greek in-, is sinew + -ose ² + -ite ¹+ -ol ¹