a white vanilla-scented crystalline ester, used in perfumes and flavourings and as an anticoagulant. Formula: C9H6O2
Derived forms
coumaric (ˈcoumaric) or cumaric (ˈcumaric) or coumarilic (ˌkuːməˈrɪlɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from French coumarine, from coumarou tonka-bean tree, from Spanish cumarú, from Tupi
coumarin in American English
(ˈkuməˌrɪn)
noun
a toxic, white crystalline substance, C9H6O2, with the odor of vanilla, obtained from the tonka bean and certain plants or made synthetically: used in perfumes, soaps, etc.