xanthene

noun

xan·​thene ˈzan-ˌthēn 

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

Phrases Containing xanthene

• xanthene dye

Medical Definition

xanthene

noun

xan·​thene ˈzan-ˌthēn 

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