phycite Chem.
(ˈfaɪsaɪt)
[f. as prec. + -ite1 4.]
A sweet-tasting crystalline substance (C4H10O4) extracted from Protococcus vulgaris; also called erythromannite. Hence in extended sense (see quot. 1866–8).
| 1864–8 Watts Dict. Chem. II. 504 The substance from Protococcus vulgaris was originally called phycite. 1866–8 Ibid. IV. 633 The term phycite has lately been extended by Carius to the series of tetratomic alcohols..homologous with natural phycite. |