indole — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An organic compound, C₈H₇N, found in coal tar, and produced in the gut by the bacterial decomposition of tryptophan; it is an aromatic bicyclic heterocycle having a benzene ring fused with a pyrrole ring; indole and its derivatives occur widely in nature and have many industrial applications.

   Synonyms

   ketole

   Examples

   The Aspidosperma alkaloids are the largest group of indole alkaloids.

   Intakes of indoles or their parental glucosinolates, may have beneficial health effects as well as toxicological effects.

2. Any of the derivatives of indole.

Adjective

1. guileless

   Usage

   • Obsolete

Noun

1. a white or yellowish crystalline heterocyclic compound extracted from coal tar and used in perfumery, medicine, and as a flavouring agent.

   Broader terms

   heterocyclic compoundheterocyclicheterocycle