inositol

[ ih-noh-si-tawl, -tohl, ahy-noh- ]
/ ɪˈnoʊ sɪˌtɔl, -ˌtoʊl, aɪˈnoʊ- /

noun

Biochemistry. a compound, C6H12O6, derivative of cyclohexane, widely distributed in plants and seeds as phytin, and occurring in animal tissue and in urine: an essential growth factor for animal life, present in the vitamin B complex.
Pharmacology. the commercial form of this compound, a white, sweet, crystalline solid, used chiefly to promote epithelialization of the cervix after infection or injury.
Also called hexahydroxycyclohexane.

Origin of inositol

1890–95; inosite (< Greek īn-, stem of ī́s fiber, sinew + -ose2 + -ite1) + -ol1

British Dictionary definitions for inositol

inositol
/ (ɪˈnəʊsɪˌtɒl) /

noun

a cyclic alcohol, one isomer of which (i -inositol) is present in yeast and is a growth factor for some organisms; cyclohexanehexol. Formula: C 6 H 12 O 6

Word Origin for inositol

C19: from Greek in-, is sinew + -ose ² + -ite 1 + -ol 1

Medical definitions for inositol

inositol
[ ĭ-nōsĭ-tôl′, -tōl′, ī-nō- ]

n.

Any of nine isomeric alcohols especially one found in plant and animal tissue and classified as a member of the vitamin B complex.

Scientific definitions for inositol

inositol
[ ĭ-nōsĭ-tôl′, -tōl′, ī-nō- ]

Any of nine isomeric alcohols, especially one found in plant and animal tissue and classified as a member of the vitamin B complex. Inositol is necessary for the growth of yeasts and other fungi, and in humans is especially abundant as part of a phospholipid found in the brain. Chemical formula: C6H12O6.