anchusin

[ ang-kyoo-sin ]

noun

1. a red coloring matter obtained from the root of the alkanet, Alkanna tinctoria.

anchusin

/ æŋˈkjuːsɪn /

noun

1. another name for alkanet

Word History and Origins

Origin of anchusin¹

1860–65; < New Latin Anchus ( a ) anchusa + -in ²

Example Sentences

Its colouring matter or anchusin has the character of a resin, and is dark-red, softened by heat, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and alkalis, and freely so in ether, fats, and volatile oils, to all of which it imparts a brilliant red hue.

From Project Gutenberg

To obtain anchusin, all the soluble matters are first abstracted from the bruised root by water: it is then digested in a solution of carbonate of potash, from which it may be readily precipitated by an acid.

From Project Gutenberg