MANNITES

MANNITE

Man"nite, n. Etym: [Cf. F. mannite.]

1. (Chem.)

Definition: A white crystalline substance of a sweet taste obtained from a so-called manna, the dried sap of the flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus);

– called also mannitol, and hydroxy hexane. Cf. Dulcite. HO.CH2.(CHOH)4.CH2.OH = D-mannitol; manna sugar; cordycepic acid; Diosmol; Mannicol; Mannidex; Osmiktrol; Osmosal.

– used in pharmacy as excipient and diluent for solids and liquids. Used as a food additive for anti-caking properties, or as a sweetener. Also used to "cut" (dilute) illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin. ("excipient" use)

2. (Bot.)

Definition: A sweet white efflorescence from dried fronds of kelp, especially from those of the Laminaria saccharina, or devil's apron.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

16 December 2024

STRAFE

(verb) attack with machine guns or cannon fire from a low-flying plane; “civilians were strafed in an effort to force the country’s surrender”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

According to Guinness World Records, on 25 September 2016, the Birla Institute of Management Technology (India) in Uttar Pradesh, India, constructed the largest coffee cups pyramid consisting of 23,821 cups. They used paper takeaway coffee cups to build the pyramid.

coffee icon