xanthene

noun

xan·​thene ˈzan-ˌthēn How to pronounce xanthene (audio)
1
: a white crystalline heterocyclic compound C13H10O
also : an isomer of this that is the parent of the colored forms of the xanthene dyes
2
: any of various derivatives of xanthene

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Xanthen, from Greek xanthós "yellow" + -en -ene — more at xantho-

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of xanthene was in 1898

Phrases Containing xanthene

Dictionary Entries Near xanthene

xanthation

xanthene

xanthene dye

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Xanthene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xanthene. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

xanthene

noun
xan·​thene ˈzan-ˌthēn How to pronounce xanthene (audio)
1
: a white crystalline heterocyclic compound C13H10O
also : an isomer of this that is the parent of the colored forms of the xanthene dyes
2
: any of various derivatives of xanthene

More from Merriam-Webster on xanthene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about xanthene

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