safrole

noun

saf·​role ˈsaf-ˌrōl 

: a poisonous oily cyclic ether C₁₀H₁₀O₂ that is the principal component of sassafras oil and is used chiefly in perfumery

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from sassafras + -ole

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

safrole

noun

saf·​role ˈsaf-ˌrōl 

variants also safrol

-ˌrōl  -ˌrȯl 

: a poisonous oily cyclic carcinogenic ether C₁₀H₁₀O₂ that is the principal component of sassafras oil and occurs also in other essential oils (as camphor oil) and that is used chiefly in perfumery