| erythrite | 1. <chemistry> A colourless crystalline substance, C4H6.(OH)4, of a sweet, cooling taste, extracted from certain lichens, and obtained by the decomposition of erythrin; called also erythrol, erythroglucin, erythromannite, pseudorcin, cobalt bloom, and under the name phycite obtained from the alga Protococcus vulgaris. It is a tetrabasic alcohol, corresponding to glycol and glycerin. Now usu. Called erythritol, HO.CH2.CHOH.CHOH.CH2.OH Has coronary vasodilator activity. 2. <chemical> A rose-red mineral, crystallized and earthy, a hydrous arseniate of cobalt, known also as cobalt bloom; called also erythrin or erythrine. Origin: Gr. Red. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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