a. Chem. [f. mod.L. turpeth-um TURPETH + -IC.] Of or pertaining to turpeth or turbith; in turpethic acid, C34H60O18, produced by the action of bases on turpethin. So Turpethin, Chem. [see -IN1], a brownish-yellow purgative resin, C34H56O16, obtained from turpeth- or turbith-root; Turpetholic a., in turpetholic acid, C16H32O4, a derivative of turpethin, crystallizing in a mass of slender microscopic needles having an irritant taste; hence Turpetholate, a salt of turpetholic acid.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 926. When turpethin is dissolved in warm baryta-water, the baryta removed [etc.], turpethic acid remains as an amorphous yellowish mass. Ibid. Under the influence of mineral acids, it [turpethin] is re-dissolved into glucose and turpetholic acid. Ibid. Turpetholate of Sodium, C16H31NaO4.
