salicin

noun

sal·​i·​cin ˈsa-lə-sən 

: a bitter white crystalline glucoside C₁₃H₁₈O₇ found in the bark and leaves of several willows and poplars and used in medicine like salicylic acid

Examples of salicin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After all, willow branches were chewed for centuries to relieve fever and pain before scientists were able to isolate salicin from its bark — a discovery which led to aspirin. —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2016

Compared to salicylic acid, which is created using a chemical process, salicin is naturally found in willow bark and has antioxidative, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. —Beth Janes, Good Housekeeping, 7 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

French salicine, from Latin salic-, salix willow — more at sallow

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

salicin

noun

sal·​i·​cin ˈsal-i-sin 

: a bitter white crystalline glucoside C₁₃H₁₈O₇ found in the bark and leaves of several willows and poplars, yielding saligenin and glucose on hydrolysis, and formerly used in medicine as an antipyretic, antirheumatic, and tonic