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.

---

bitter principle British  

noun

1. any of various bitter-tasting substances, such as aloin, usually extracted from plants

---

Etymology

Origin of bitter principle

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Turnips contain a large quantity of matter capable of affording nourishment to the body, but they yield little or none of the bitter principle.

From A Treatise on Sheep: The Best Means for their Improvement, General Management, and the Treatment of their Diseases. by Blacklock, Ambrose

There is also present a minute quantity of a bitter principle.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

Uses.—The wood and seeds contain an intensely bitter principle.

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

From the leaves are obtainable a colouring matter named ilixanthin, ilicic acid, and a bitter principle, ilicin, which has been variously described by different analytical chemists.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various