pinosylvin

noun

pi·no·syl·vin | \ ˌpīnōˈsilvə̇n\

plural -s

Definition of pinosylvin

: a toxic phenolic compound C₆H₅CH=CHC₆H₃(OH)₂ related to stilbene that is found in the heartwood of Scotch pine and that gives protection to the wood against fungi, insects, and chemicals (as calcium bisulfite); 5-styryl-resorcinol

History and Etymology for pinosylvin

International Scientific Vocabulary pino- (from New Latin Pinus —genus name of the Scotch pine Pinus sylvestris —, from Latin pinus pine) + sylv- (from New Latin sylvestris —specific epithet of the Scotch pine Pinus sylvestris —, from Latin silvestris of a forest, from silva forest) + -in