What is "saligenin"

Saligenin \Sa*lig"e*nin\, n. [Salicin + -gen.] (Chem.) A phenol alcohol obtained, by the decomposition of salicin, as a white crystalline substance; -- called also hydroxy-benzyl alcohol.

n. (context organic compound English) The phenolic alcohol ''o-hydroxy-benzyl alcohol'' obtained by the decomposition of salicin