Cyclitol

/ˈsɪklɪtɔːl/ noun

Definition

Any of a class of organic compounds containing a ring of carbon atoms with hydroxyl groups attached, found in natural products.

Etymology

From 'cycl-' (Greek kyklos, circle) plus '-itol' (a chemistry suffix for polyhydroxy compounds, from Italian dolce/sweet). These compounds were discovered in plants and organisms.

Kelly Says

Cyclitols are hidden everywhere in nature—they're in plants, bacteria, and insects—and scientists studying them discovered amazing things about how organisms store energy and build structures!

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