crocin

noun

cro·​cin

ˈkrōsᵊn,

-sə̇n

plural -s

: a yellow glycoside C₄₄H₆₄O₂₄ of crocetin occurring in species of crocus (as saffron) and gardenia that is active in inducing sexual change in certain algae

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary croc- (from Latin crocus saffron) + -in; probably originally formed in German

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!