English edit

Etymology edit

Ilex +‎ -in

Noun edit

ilicin (uncountable)

  1. (organic chemistry) A bitter alkaloid found in holly.
    • 1852, John King, The Eclectic Dispensatory of the United States of America, page 220:
      They have a bitter, somewhat austere taste; their properties depend upon a principle called ilicin.
    • 1995, John Eastman, The Book of Swamp and Bog:
      All Ilex hollies contain the bitter compound ilicin.
    • 1996, Peter D Bryson, Comprehensive Reviews in Toxicology: For Emergency Clinicians:
      Ilicin is contained in holly berries (Ilex sp) and causes severe gastroirritation including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Further reading edit