Word Study
orcin
CIDE DICTIONARY
orcin, n. [Etymology uncertain: cf. F. orcine.].
A colorless crystalline substance, C6H3.CH3.(OH)2 , which is obtained from certain lichens (Roccella , Lecanora , etc.), also from extract of aloes, and artificially from certain derivatives of toluene. It changes readily into orcein. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
orcin, n. (also orcinol) a crystalline substance, becoming red in air, extracted from any of several lichens and used to make dyes.
Etymology
mod.L orcina f. It. orcello orchil
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