Dictionary.com

inositol

[ ih-noh-si-tawl, -tohl, ahy-noh- ]
/ ɪˈnoʊ sɪˌtɔl, -ˌtoʊl, aɪˈnoʊ- /

noun

Biochemistry. a compound, C6H12O6, 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.
Pharmacology. the commercial form of this compound, a white, sweet, crystalline solid, used chiefly to promote epithelialization of the cervix after infection or injury.

QUIZZES

BEAT THE DOLDRUMS WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

We know you’ll tackle this quiz totis viribus! See how many words from the week of Oct 12–18, 2020 you get right!
Question 1 of 7
What does “Indigenous” mean?
characterized by cleverness or originality of invention or construction.
carried on abroad, or with other countries.
relating to or being a people who are the original, earliest known inhabitants of a region, or are their descendants.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT
Also called hexahydroxycyclohexane.

Origin of inositol

1890–95; inosite (<Greek īn-, stem of ī́s fiber, sinew + -ose2 + -ite1) + -ol1

Words nearby inositol

inosemia, inosilicate, inosine, inosine pranobex, inosinic acid, inositol, inosituria, in other words, inotropic, in over one's head, inoxidizable
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for inositol

inositol
/ (ɪˈnəʊsɪˌtɒl) /

noun

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

Word Origin for inositol

C19: from Greek in-, is sinew + -ose ² + -ite 1 + -ol 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for inositol

inositol
[ ĭ-nō′sĭ-tôl′, -tōl′, ī-nō′- ]

n.

Any of nine isomeric alcohols especially one found in plant and animal tissue and classified as a member of the vitamin B complex.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for inositol

inositol
[ ĭ-nō′sĭ-tôl′, -tōl′, ī-nō′- ]

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: C6H12O6.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.