anthranilic acid

noun

an·​thra·​nil·​ic acid ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈni-lik- 

: a crystalline acid NH₂C₆H₄COOH used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes (such as indigo), pharmaceuticals, and perfumes

Examples of anthranilic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The blue fluorescence, seen only when the worms are under ultraviolet light, comes from anthranilic acid, an organic compound produced inside little granules that line the worm’s intestine. —Christopher Crockett, Scientific American, 2 Aug. 2013

The drop in pH amplifies the anthranilic acid’s natural fluorescence, generating a blue flash that follows the calcium wave. —Christopher Crockett, Scientific American, 2 Aug. 2013

This initial investigation led them to the discovery that the anthranilic acid fluoresces and the calcium wave triggers the event. —Christopher Crockett, Scientific American, 2 Aug. 2013

Word History

Etymology

anthranil- borrowed from German anthranil- (in Anthranilsäure "anthranilic acid," from anthra- —in Anthracen anthracene— + Anilin aniline) + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anthranilic acid

noun

an·​thra·​nil·​ic acid ˌan(t)-thrə-ˌnil-ik- 

: the ortho-substituted aminobenzoic acid NH₂C₆H₄COOH used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes (as indigo), pharmaceuticals, and perfumes