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.
Words nearby inositol
inosemia,
inosilicate,
inosine,
inosine pranobex,
inosinic acid,
inositol,
inosituria,
inotropic,
inoxidizable,
inpaint,
inpatient
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-nō′sĭ-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-nō′sĭ-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.