mannite

2 definitions found

mannite - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Mannite \Man"nite\, n.
     1. Same as mannitol.
        [PJC]
  
     2. (Bot.) A sweet white efflorescence from dried fronds of
        kelp, especially from those of the Laminaria saccharina,
        or devil's apron.
        [1913 Webster]

  mannitol \man"ni*tol\, n. [Mannite + -ol.]
     1. (Chem.) A white crystalline hexose
        (HO.CH2.(CHOH)4.CH2.OH) of a sweet taste obtained from a
        so-called manna, the dried sap of the flowering ash
        (Fraxinus ornus); -- called also mannite, and hydroxy  hexane
        . Cf. Dulcite. It is used in pharmacy as
        excipient and diluent for solids and liquids. It is also
        used as a food additive for anti-caking properties, or as
        a sweetener, and, illegally, to "cut" (dilute) illegal
        drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
  
     Syn: D-mannitol; manna sugar; cordycepic acid; Diosmol;
          Mannicol; Mannidex; Osmiktrol; Osmosal.
          [1913 Webster +PJC]