from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
mannitol \man"ni*tol\, n. [Mannite + -ol.]
1. (Chem.) A white crystalline hexose
({HO.CH2.(CHOH)4.CH2.OH}) of a sweet taste obtained from a
so-called manna, the dried sap of the flowering ash
({Fraxinus ornus}); -- called also {mannite}, and {hydroxy
hexane}. Cf. {Dulcite}. It is used in pharmacy as
excipient and diluent for solids and liquids. It is also
used as a food additive for anti-caking properties, or as
a sweetener, and, illegally, to "cut" (dilute) illegal
drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
Syn: D-mannitol; manna sugar; cordycepic acid; Diosmol;
Mannicol; Mannidex; Osmiktrol; Osmosal.
[1913 Webster +PJC]