Chem. [a. F. viscin (Macaire), f. L. viscum birdlime (see VISCOUS a.) + -IN.] A substance that forms the main constituent of birdlime, chiefly obtained from the berries and other parts of the mistletoe.
1838. T. Thomson, Chem. Org. Bodies, 917. The berries … yield to alcohol a brown extractive matter soluble in water, which smells like viscin.
1887. Buck’s Handbk. Med. Sci., V. 12/1. Mistletoe … contains sugar,… and a peculiar, very sticky substance, viscin. Viscin is also contained in a few other plants.
