Chem. Also xanthine, (zanthin). [ad. F. xanthine or G. xanthin, f. Gr. ξανθός yellow: see -IN1.]
1. a. A yellow coloring-matter obtained from madder.
1838. T. Thomson, Chem. Org. Bodies, 387. Madder, according to Kuhlmann, contains two colouring matters, one, which is yellow, is soluble in cold water. Kuhlmann, who first obtained it, has given it the name of xanthin.
1839. Ure, Dict. Arts, etc. 1329. Xanthine, is the name given by Kuhlmann to the yellow dyeing-matter contained in madder.
c. 1865. J. Wylde, in Circ. Sc., I. 421/1. Other principles may be extracted from madder, such as purpurine, alizarine, xanthine.
b. That part of the yellow coloring-matter of flowers which is insoluble in water: cf. XANTHEIN.
1857. Miller, Elem. Chem., Org., 546.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 1050.
2. (See quot.)
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 1050. Xanthin,… applied … 3. By Couerbe to a gaseous product of the decomposition of xanthates, to which he assigned the formula C2H2S2O2.
3. attrib. Xanthin-spar, yellow lead-spar or WULFENITE.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 1052.
