n. (Chem.) One of the tannic acids (C15H14O6), extracted from catechu as a white, crystalline substance; -- called also catechuic acid, catechinic acid, cyanidol, and catechuin. It is a flavonoid found generally in higher woody plants, and is used in dyeing and tanning. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
n. [ Pyro- + catechu. ] (Chem.) A white crystalline substance, C6H4(OH)2, of the phenol series, found in various plants; -- so called because first obtained by distillation of gum catechu. Called also catechol, oxyphenol. etc. [ 1913 Webster ]