What is "erythrin"

Erythrite \E*ryth"rite\, n. [Gr. 'eryqro`s red.]

1. (Chem.) A colorless crystalline substance, C4H6.(OH)4, of a sweet, cooling taste, extracted from certain lichens, and obtained by the decomposition of erythrin; -- called also erythrol, erythroglucin, erythromannite, pseudorcin, cobalt bloom, and under the name phycite obtained from the alga Protococcus vulgaris. It is a tetrabasic alcohol, corresponding to glycol and glycerin.

2. (Min.) A rose-red mineral, crystallized and earthy, a hydrous arseniate of cobalt, known also as cobalt bloom; -- called also erythrin or erythrine.

n. 1 (context organic compound English) C₂₀H₂₂O₁₀, an organic compound extracted from certain lichens, a derivative of orsellinic acid. 2 (alternative form of erythrite English)