What is "resorcin"

Resorcin \Res*or"cin\ (r?z-?r"s?n), n. [Resin + orcin. So called because in its higher homologue it resembles orcin.] (Chem.) A colorless crystalline substance of the phenol series, obtained by melting certain resins, as galbanum, asafetida, etc., with caustic potash. It is also produced artificially and used in making certain dyestuffs, as phthale["i]n, fluoresce["i]n, and eosin.

n. (context organic compound English) A crystalline substance of the phenol series, obtained by melting certain resins with caustic potash, and sometimes used in dyestuffs.