vanillin

American  

[vuh-nil-in, van-l-] / vəˈnɪl ɪn, ˈvæn l- /

Also vanilline

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble, alcohol-soluble solid, C 8 H 8 O 3 , obtained by extraction from the vanilla bean or prepared synthetically: used chiefly as a flavoring agent and in perfumery.

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vanillin British  

/ ˈvænɪlɪn, vəˈnɪlɪn /

noun

1. a white crystalline aldehyde found in vanilla and many natural balsams and resins; 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. It is a by-product of paper manufacture and is used as a flavouring and in perfumes and pharmaceuticals. Formula: (CH 3 O)(OH)C 6 H 3 CHO

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Etymology

Origin of vanillin

First recorded in 1865–70; vanill(a) + -in ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vanillin

Scientists at Flinders University have identified properties in vanillin that could make it a promising ingredient in treatments for chronic wounds, infections, and damaged tissue.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

The Flinders researchers examined vanillin through a framework that connects familiar food ingredients with practical medical applications.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

The researchers envision vanillin eventually becoming an ingredient in advanced wound dressings, ulcer treatments, targeted drug delivery systems, and therapies designed to support tissue regeneration.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

The researchers caution that the current study does not estimate the effects of repeated or cumulative vanillin exposure over days, weeks, months, or years.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 28, 2026

Piperonal, an aldehyde closely allied to vanillin, is used in perfumery under the name of heliotropin and is prepared from oil of sassafras and oil of camphor.

From Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 4 Sexual Selection In Man by Havelock Ellis

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