indole

Definition

An organic compound, C₈H₇N, found in coal tar, and produced in the gut by the bacterial decomposition of tryptophan; it is an aromatic bicyclic heterocycle having a benzene ring fused with a pyrrole ring; indole and its derivatives occur widely in nature and have many industrial applications.

Etymology

From indigo + Latin oleum (“oil”); see -ole.

Example Sentences

• "The Aspidosperma alkaloids are the largest group of indole alkaloids."
• "Intakes of indoles or their parental glucosinolates, may have beneficial health effects as well as toxicological effects."