quassin
/ˈkwasɪn/(also quassiin, quassine) Chemistry
noun
A bitter compound isolated from the wood of Quassia amara and Picrasma excelsa, with insecticidal, antipyretic, and other medicinal properties.
- Quassin is a tetracyclic terpenoid. Formula: C22H28O6.It is unlikely that the pure compound was isolated before the mid 20th cent..
Origin
Early 19th century. From quassia or its etymon scientific Latin Quassia + -in.