a white fragrant aldehyde used in flavourings, perfumery, and suntan lotions. Formula: C8H6O3
Also called: heliotropin
heliotropin in American English
(ˌhiliəˈtroupɪn, ˌhiliˈɑtrəpɪn)
noun
piperonal
Word origin
[1880–85; heliotrope + -in2]This word is first recorded in the period 1880–85. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: automatism, impressionism, interface, irredentist, quotation mark-in is a noun suffix used in a special manner in chemical and mineralogical nomenclature(glycerin; acetin, etc.). In spelling, usage wavers between -in and -ine. In chemistry a certain distinction of use is attempted, basic substances havingthe termination -ine rather than -in (aconitine; aniline, etc.), and -in being restricted to certain neutral compounds, glycerides, glucosides, and proteids(albumin; palmitin, etc.), but this distinction is not always observed
Examples of 'heliotropin' in a sentence
heliotropin
In 1869 chemists discovered heliotropin, which has an almond-suffused scent reminiscent of the heliotrope flowers.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The slightly onedimensional, cheap feeling of heliotropin is offset by a melancholy, powdery iris note.