Main Entry: an·i·line

Pronunciation: \ˈa-n^əl-ən\

Function: noun

Etymology: German Anilin, from Anil indigo, from French, from Portuguese, from Arabic al-nīl the indigo plant, from Sanskrit nīlī indigo, from feminine of nīla dark blue

Date: 1849

: an oily liquid poisonous amine C₆H₅NH₂ obtained especially by the reduction of nitrobenzene and used chiefly in organic synthesis (as of dyes)