What is "cyclitol"

n. (context chemistry English) any hydroxylated cycloalkane having at least three hydroxy groups attached to different carbon atoms

Cyclitols are cycloalkanes containing a hydroxyl group on each of three or more ring atoms. They are cyclic polyols. Cyclitols are one of the compatible solutes which are formed in a plant as a response to salt or water stress. Some cyclitol (e.g. quinic or shikimic acid) are parts of hydrolysable tannins.