a sweet crystalline compound extracted from certain algae and lichens and used in medicine to dilate the blood vessels of the heart; 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol. Formula: C4H10O4
erythritol in American English
(ɛˈrɪθrɪˌtɔl; ɛˈrɪθrɪˌtoʊl)
noun
a sweet, colorless crystalline alcohol, CH2OH(CHOH)2CH2OH, obtained from some lichens and algae and by synthesis