anethole

[ an-uh-thohl ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline powder, C 10 H 12 O, having a sweet taste, obtained from anise or fennel oils or synthesized: used chiefly in perfumes, dentifrices, flavoring, synthesis of anisaldehyde, and in medicine as an antiseptic and carminative.

anethole

/ ˈænɪˌθəʊl /

noun

1. a white water-soluble crystalline substance with a liquorice-like odour, used as a flavouring and a sensitizer in the processing of colour photographs. Formula: CH 3 CH:CHC 6 H 4 OCH 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of anethole¹

First recorded in 1860–65; from Greek ánēth(on) “dill, anise” + -ole ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of anethole¹

C19: from Latin anēthum dill, anise, from Greek anēthon

Example Sentences

This flavor comes from the essential oil, anethole, which both have in their seeds, even though they're totally unrelated.

From Salon

"The most important thing about arak is that our grandfathers used herbs to treat illness, not medicine. They believed in herbs, so they chose to make arak with green anise because it has anethole, a compound that aids digestion," said Issa, the company's administrative manager.

From Fox News

“The most important thing about arak is that our grandfathers used herbs to treat illness, not medicine. They believed in herbs, so they chose to make arak with green anise because it has anethole, a compound that aids digestion,” said Issa, the company’s administrative manager.

From Washington Times

One such phytonutrient is called anethole which, in animal studies, has been shown to reduce inflammation and fend off chronic disease.

From Time

One suggestion of PMA's recent prominence is that the main precursor chemical to it, anethole, is currently easier to get hold of than the precursor to MDMA, safrole but there could be other reasons.

From BBC