bitter principle

noun

, Chemistry.

any of several hundred natural compounds, usually of vegetable origin, having a bitter taste, and not admitting of any chemical classification.

bitter principle

any of various bitter-tasting substances, such as aloin, usually extracted from plants

First recorded in 1930–35

The crystallisable bitter principle of asarabacca, noticed above.

The root-bark of E. atropurpureus is the source of euonymin, a bitter principle with a powerful stimulating effect on the liver.

It may be purified from its bitter principle by a little cold solution of potassa.

Unhopped ale, having no bitter principle, would easily run into acetous fermentation.

Aletris, or unicorn root (Aletris farinosa), contains a bitter principle and starch.

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