pyroxanthin Chem.
(paɪərɒkˈsænθɪn)
[f. pyro- 3 b + Gr. ξανθ-ός yellow + -in1.]
A yellow crystalline substance, C15H12O3, contained in crude wood-spirit, and produced by the action of potash on one of the constituents of the heavy oil of wood-tar.
| 1838 R. D. Thomson in Brit. Ann. 331 Eblanin or pyroxanthin. 1866–8 Watts Dict. Chem. IV. 776 Pyroxanthin crystallises in long yellow needles. |
Hence pyroˈxanthogen Chem., the constituent of wood-tar from which pyroxanthin is supposed to be formed (Watts Dict. Chem. 1866–8).