from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
fluorescein \fluo`res"ce*in\, fluoresceine \fluo`res"ce*ine\,
fluorescein \flu`o*res"ce*["i]n\, n. (Chem.)
A yellowish red, crystalline substance, {C20H12O5}, produced
by heating together phthalic anhydride and resorcin; -- so
called, from the very brilliant yellowish green fluorescence
of its alkaline solutions. It has acid properties, and its
salts of the alkalies are known to the trade under the name
of {uranin}.
Syn: fluorescein, fluorescent dye, resorcinolphthalein.
[1913 Webster]