xanthene

noun

xan·​thene ˈzan-ˌthēn How to pronounce xanthene (audio)
1
: a white crystalline heterocyclic compound C13H10O
also : an isomer of this that is the parent of the colored forms of the xanthene dyes
2
: any of various derivatives of xanthene

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Xanthen, from Greek xanthós "yellow" + -en -ene — more at xantho-

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of xanthene was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near xanthene

Cite this Entry

“Xanthene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xanthene. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

xanthene

noun
xan·​thene ˈzan-ˌthēn How to pronounce xanthene (audio)
1
: a white crystalline heterocyclic compound C13H10O
also : an isomer of this that is the parent of the colored forms of the xanthene dyes
2
: any of various derivatives of xanthene

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