irone

[ ahy-rohn, ahy-rohn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless liquid of isomeric, unsaturated ketones, C 14 H 22 O, obtained from orris root: used in perfumery for its odor of violets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of irone¹

First recorded in 1890–95; ir(is) + -one

Example Sentences

The greater part of the product consists of the inodorous myristic acid, the chief odour-bearing constituent being irone.

From Project Gutenberg

Irone, which has the perfume of violets, was isolated in 1893 from a ketone contained in orris-root; and ionone, another ketone which has a very closely similar odor of fresh violets and was isolated after some years' further work, is largely used in the preparation of violet perfume.

From Project Gutenberg

Irone and ionone are closely similar in composition to oil of turpentine which when taken into the body is partly converted into perfume and gives a strong odor of violets to the urine.

From Project Gutenberg