Anisalcohol

/ænɪsəlˈælkəhɔːl/ noun

Definition

A colorless liquid chemical compound found in aniseed and other essential oils, used in perfumes and flavorings.

Etymology

Compound of 'anisal' (relating to anise) + 'alcohol' (a class of organic compounds). Discovered and named in the 19th century when chemists began isolating individual aromatic compounds from plant oils.

Kelly Says

Anisalcohol is the actual molecule giving anise its smell—and it's the same in fennel, star anise, and even some spices your grandma cooks with, yet we only notice when it's concentrated!

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