or|ce|in

or|ce|in «AWR see ihn», noun.

a reddish or purplish nitrogenous dye obtained from orcinol by the action of ammonia and oxygen, or from the dye orchil. It is used in microscopic stains and as a reagent. Formula: C₂₈H₂₄O₇N₂

╂[< French orcein, alteration of earlier English orcin; see etym. under orcinol (Cf. ↑orcinol)]