urushiol

u ru shi ol |(y )o͝oˈro͞oshēˌôl, -ˌōl, -ˌäl jʊˈruʃiɔl | ▶noun Biochemistry an oily liquid that is the main constituent of Japanese lacquer and is responsible for the irritant properties of poison ivy and other plants. It consists of a mixture of catechol derivatives. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Japanese urushi ‘Japanese lacquer ’ + -ol .

urushiol

urushiol |ʊˈruːʃɪɒl | ▶noun [ mass noun ] Biochemistry an oily liquid which is the main constituent of Japanese lacquer and is responsible for the irritant properties of poison ivy and other plants. It consists of a mixture of catechol derivatives. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Japanese urushi ‘Japanese lacquer ’ + -ol .