Coumarinic

/ˌkuːməˈrɪnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or containing coumarin, a naturally occurring chemical compound found in plants that has a vanilla-like smell and is used in fragrances and medicines.

Etymology

From coumarin (from French coumarou, from Tupi cumaru, the tonka bean tree) plus the chemical suffix -ic, indicating a compound or property related to coumarin.

Kelly Says

Coumarin is a sneaky chemical compound—it smells wonderful in vanilla-scented perfumes and tobacco, but it's also used as rat poison because it prevents blood from clotting! Many plants produce it naturally as a defense mechanism against insects.

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