coumarin

noun cou·ma·rin \ ˈkü-mə-rən \

Updated on: 1 Apr 2018

Definition of coumarin

: a toxic white crystalline lactone C₉H₆O₂ with an odor of new-mown hay found in plants or made synthetically and used especially in perfumery and as a parent compound in anticoagulant agents; also : a derivative of this compound

Recent Examples of coumarin from the Web

Cassia can contain relatively high concentrations of coumarin, a plant compound that can damage the liver.

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "Cinnamon: Pantry staple -- and medical powerhouse?," 8 Mar. 2018
Cassia sticks, which look like a thick layer of rolled bark, also contained 18 times more coumarin than Ceylon sticks, which have thin layers.

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "Cinnamon: Pantry staple -- and medical powerhouse?," 8 Mar. 2018
Both cassia cinnamon and Saigon cinnamon contain coumarin, a natural compound that can harm the liver when taken in large amounts.

— teresa graedon, The Seattle Times, "More news on blood sugar: Ceylon cinnamon can help," 21 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coumarin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of coumarin

French coumarine, from coumarou tonka bean tree, from Spanish or Portuguese; Spanish cumarú, from Portuguese, from Tupi *kumarú, *kumbarú

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1830

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

coumarin

noun cou·ma·rin \ ˈkü-mə-rən \

medical Definition of coumarin

: a toxic white crystalline lactone C₉H₆O₂ with an odor of new-mown hay found in plants or made synthetically and used especially in perfumery and as the parent compound in various anticoagulant agents (as warfarin); also : a derivative of this compound