- uroxanthin
- Indican In"di*can, n. [See {Indigo}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Chem.) A glucoside ({C14H17NO6}) obtained from woad
(indigo plant, {Isatis Tinctoria}) and other plants (see
{indigo}), as a yellow or light brown sirup. When purified
it is obtained as spear-shaped crystals. It has a nauseous
bitter taste. By the action of acids, enzymes, etc., it
breaks down into sugar and indigo. It is the source of
natural indigo. Chemically it is the 3-glucoside of
indole, H-indol-3-yl-[beta]-D-glucopyranoside.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
2. (Physiol. Chem.) An indigo-forming substance, found in urine, and other animal fluids, and convertible into red and blue indigo (urrhodin and uroglaucin). Chemically, it is indoxyl sulphate of potash, {C8H6NSO4K}, and is derived from the indol formed in the alimentary canal. Called also {uroxanthin}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.