ilicin

English

Etymology

Ilex +‎ -in

Noun

ilicin (uncountable)

1. (organic chemistry) A bitter alkaloid found in holly.
   • 1852, John King, The Eclectic Dispensatory of the United States of America, page 220:

     They have a bitter, somewhat austere taste; their properties depend upon a principle called ilicin.

   • 1995, John Eastman, The Book of Swamp and Bog:

     All Ilex hollies contain the bitter compound ilicin.

   • 1996, Peter D Bryson, Comprehensive Reviews in Toxicology: For Emergency Clinicians:

     Ilicin is contained in holly berries (Ilex sp) and causes severe gastroirritation including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Further reading

• Ilicin in the 1921 edition of Collier's Encyclopedia.