E*ryth"rite (?), n. [Gr. red.]
1. Chem.
A colorless crystalline substance, C4H6.(OH)4, of a sweet, cooling taste, extracted from certain lichens, and obtained by the decomposition of erythrin; -- called also erythrol, erythroglucin, erythromannite, pseudorcin, cobalt bloom, and under the name phycite obtained from the alga Protococcus vulgaris. It is a tetrabasic alcohol, corresponding to glycol and glycerin.
<-- now usu. called erythritol, HO.CH2.CHOH.CHOH.CH2.OH
Has coronary vasodilator activity. -->
2. Min.
A rose-red mineral, crystallized and earthy, a hydrous arseniate of cobalt, known also as cobalt bloom; -- called also erythrin or erythrine.
© Webster 1913.