a white, crystalline, water-soluble, alcohol-soluble solid, C8H8O3, obtained by extraction from the vanilla bean or prepared synthetically: used chiefly as a flavoring agent and in perfumery.
Main Entry: van·il·lin Pronunciation: 'van-&l-&n Function: noun : a crystalline phenolic aldehydeC8H8O3 that is prepared synthetically or is obtained as the chief fragrant component of vanilla extracted from vanilla beans and that is used especially in flavoringand in perfumery
vanillin va·nil·lin (və-nĭl'ĭn, vān'ə-lĭn) n. A white or yellowish crystalline compound found in vanilla beans and certain balsams and resins and used in flavorings and pharmaceuticals.