orcin Chem.
(ˈɔːsɪn)
Also -ine.
[mod. f. mod.L. orc-ina, It. orc-ello, orchil: see -in.]
A former name for orcinol. Cf. orcein.
| 1840 Penny Cycl. XVI. 480/2 Orcin, a peculiar matter obtained by Robiquet from a species of lichen (variolaria orcina). Ibid., These crystals are orcin, which become, as already stated, of a reddish violet colour by the action of the air and alkalis. 1873 Watts Fownes' Chem. (ed. 11) 805 Orcin appears to exist ready-formed in all the lichens. |