Orcin

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Orcin \Or"cin\, n. [Etymology uncertain: cf. F. orcine.] (Chem.)
     A colorless crystalline substance, {C6H3.CH3.(OH)2}, which is
     obtained from certain lichens ({Roccella}, {Lecanora}, etc.),
     also from extract of aloes, and artificially from certain
     derivatives of toluene. It changes readily into orcein.
     [1913 Webster]