Chem. [f. Gr. κύμῑνον CUMIN + -ENE.] A hydrocarbon, C10 H14, discovered in 1840 in the volatile oil of Roman cumin, and in other plants. So a series of compounds, parallel to those under CUMENE: Cymic a., of or pertaining to the radical cymene and its compounds, as in cymic phenol, etc. Cymidine, a base, C10 H15 N. Cymol = Cymene. Cymyl, the organic radical C10 H13 of cymene, etc. Hence cy·mylami:ne, cymy·lic, etc.
1863–72. Watts, Dict. Chem., II. 295–6. Cymene or Cymol … Colourless strongly refracting liquid, having a very agreeable odour of lemons. Ibid. (1879), VII. 421. Cymic Disulphide … is formed by oxidation of cymic mercaptan. Ibid. (1863–72), II. 298. Cymylic Alcohol C10 H14 O. Hydrate of Cymyl. Cuminic Alcohol … Colourless liquid, having a very faint … aromatic odour, and a sharp spicy taste.
