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

See Examples For:

bitter principle

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

White horehound contains a volatile oil, resin, a crystallizable bitter principle termed marrubiin and other substances, and has a not unpleasant aromatic odour, and a persistent bitter taste.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 6 "Home, Daniel" to "Hortensius, Quintus" by Various

Its aromatic bitter stimulant properties are like those of cubebs, and depend on a volatile oil, a dark-green resin, and a peculiar bitter principle called maticin.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by Saunders, William

The bitter principle contained in the root, wood and bark was discovered by Blunse who named it samaderin; it is a white, crystalline, foliaceous substance, more soluble in water than in alcohol, fusible.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

It contains tannin, and a particular bitter principle.

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