phenicine, -in Chem.
(ˈfɛnɪsaɪn, -ɪn)
[Etymologically phœnicin(e, f. Gr. ϕοῖνιξ a purple-red, purple, or crimson, lit. a Phœnician (in reference to Tyrian purple) + -in.]
A colouring matter produced by the action of nitro-sulphuric acid on phenylic alcohol; indigo carmine.
| 1826 Henry Elem. Chem. II. x. 282 From the property, possessed by this substance, of becoming purple coloured on the addition of certain salts, Mr. Crum terms it phenecin. 1838 T. Thomson Chem. Org. Bodies 379 Acids have no effect in preventing the precipitation of phenicin by salts. 1866–77 Watts Dict. Chem. IV. 388 Phenicine..dyes silk and wool without the intervention of a mordant. |