indole

[ in-dohl ]
/ ˈɪn doʊl /

noun Chemistry.

a colorless to yellowish solid, C8H7N, having a low melting point and a fecal odor, found in the oil of jasmine and clove and as a putrefaction product from animals' intestines: used in perfumery and as a reagent.

Origin of indole

First recorded in 1865–70; ind- + -ole2

Words nearby indole

indocin, indoctrinate, indoctrination, indocyanine green, indolaceturia, indole, indoleacetic acid, indoleamine, indolebutyric acid, indolence, indolent

Example sentences from the Web for indole

  • Quaecunque in Germanorum indole admiranda atque imitanda fere censemus, ea in Doellingero maxime splendent.

    The History of Freedom |John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton

  • Beyond the fact that when they are hydrolyzed they yield quinoline and indole, their composition is unknown.

    The Chemistry of Plant Life |Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher

British Dictionary definitions for indole

indole

indol (ˈɪndəʊl, -dɒl)

/ (ˈɪndəʊl) /

noun

a white or yellowish crystalline heterocyclic compound extracted from coal tar and used in perfumery, medicine, and as a flavouring agent; 1-benzopyrrole. Formula: C 8 H 7 N

Word Origin for indole

C19: from ind ( igo) + -ole 1

Medical definitions for indole

indole
[ ĭn′dōl′ ]

n.

A white crystalline compound obtained from coal tar or various plants and found in the intestines and feces as a product of the bacterial decomposition of tryptophan. ketole
Any of various derivatives of this compound.

Scientific definitions for indole

indole
[ ĭn′dōl′ ]

A white crystalline compound obtained from coal tar or various plants and produced by the bacterial decomposition of tryptophan in the intestine. It is used in the perfume industry and as a reagent. Chemical formula: C8H7N.
Any of various derivatives of this compound.