indican

noun

in·​di·​can ˈin-də-ˌkan 

1

: an indigo-forming substance C₈H₇NO₄S found as a salt in urine and other animal fluids

also : its potassium salt C₈H₆KNO₄S

2

: a glucoside C₁₄H₁₇NO₆ occurring especially in the indigo plant and being a source of natural indigo

Word History

Etymology

Latin indicum indigo — more at indigo

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

indican

noun

in·​di·​can ˈin-də-ˌkan 

1

: an indigo-forming substance C₈H₇NO₄S found as a salt in urine and other animal fluids

also : its potassium salt C₈H₆KNO₄S

2

: a glucoside C₁₄H₁₇NO₆ occurring especially in the indigo plant and being a source of natural indigo