a cyclic alcohol, one isomer of which (i-inositol) is present in yeast and is a growth factor for some organisms; cyclohexanehexol. Formula: C6H12O6
Word origin
C19: from Greek in-, is sinew + -ose2 + -ite1 + -ol1
inositol in American English
(ɪˈnoʊsəˌtɔl; ɪˈnoʊsəˌtoʊl; ɪˈnoʊsəˌtɑl)
noun
a sweet crystalline alcohol, C6H6(OH)6, existing in nine isomeric forms and found in both plant and animal tissues, esp. the form found inthe vitamin B complex that may have some effect on cholesterol metabolism
: also ˈinoˌsite (ˈɪnoʊˌsaɪt)
Word origin
< Gr is (gen. inos), muscle, fiber, strength (see inion) + -ite1 + -ol1