Chem. [f. mod.L. cetraria, generic name of Iceland moss, f. L. cetra targe, small shield of leather, so called from the shape of the apothecia.] A white crystalline substance (C18 H16 O8) forming the bitter principle of Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica). Also called Cetraric acid.
1861. H. Macmillan, Footnotes fr. Page Nature, 98. A peculiar astringent principle in it called cetrarin.
1876. Harley, Mat. Med., 362. Cetraric acid is a bitter, colourless, crystalline substance.
1886. Lancet, 15 May, 938/2. Large doses of extract of cetrarin slightly increase it [the secretion of bile].
