orcein

[ awr-see-in ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a red dye, the principal coloring matter of cudbear and orchil, obtained by oxidizing an ammoniacal solution of orcinol.

orcein

/ ˈɔːsɪɪn /

noun

1. a brown crystalline material formed by the action of ammonia on orcinol and present in orchil: used as a dye, biological stain, and antiseptic. Formula: C 28 H 24 O 7 N 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of orcein¹

1830–40; arbitrary alteration of orcin; orcinol

Word History and Origins

Origin of orcein¹

C19: see orcinol