n :  a crystalline phenolic aldehyde C₈H₈O₃ that is prepared synthetically or is obtained as the chief fragrant component of vanilla extracted from vanilla beans and that is used esp. in flavoring and in perfumery .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  phen·yl·ene 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.