indican (usually uncountable, plural indicans)
(organic compound) A glucoside obtained from woad and other plants, the source of natural indigo.
(organic compound) An indigo-forming substance found in urine and other animal fluids, and convertible into red and blue indigo (urrhodin and uroglaucin); an indoxyl sulphate of potash.
• (indigo-forming substance found in urine): uroxanthin
Source: Wiktionary
In"di*can, n. Etym: [See Indigo.]
1. (Chem.)
Definition: A glucoside obtained from woad (indigo plant) and other plants, as a yellow or light brown sirup. It has a nauseous bitter taste, a decomposes or drying. By the action of acids, ferments, etc., it breaks down into sugar and indigo. It is the source of natural indigo.
2. (Physiol. Chem.)
Definition: An indigo-forming substance, found in urine, and other animal fluids, and convertible into red and blue indigo (urrhodin and uroglaucin). Chemically, it is indoxyl sulphate of potash, C8H6NSO4K, and is derived from the indol formed in the alimentary canal. Called also uroxanthin.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
10 March 2025
(adjective) celebrated in fable or legend; “the fabled Paul Bunyan and his blue ox”; “legendary exploits of Jesse James”
The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.