MANNITE
Man"nite, n. Etym: [Cf. F. mannite.]
1. (Chem.)
Defn: A white crystalline substance of a sweet taste obtained from a so-called manna, the dried sap of the flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus); — called also mannitol, and hydroxy hexane. Cf. Dulcite. HO.CH2.(CHOH)4.CH2.OH = D-mannitol; manna sugar; cordycepic acid; Diosmol; Mannicol; Mannidex; Osmiktrol; Osmosal. — used in pharmacy as excipient and diluent for solids and liquids. Used as a food additive for anti-caking properties, or as a sweetener. Also used to "cut" (dilute) illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin. ("excipient" use)
2. (Bot.)
Defn: A sweet white efflorescence from dried fronds of kelp, especially from those of the Laminaria saccharina, or devil's apron.
MANNITIC
Man*nit"ic, a. (Chem.)
Defn: Of, pertaining to, resembling, or derived from, mannite. Mannitic acid (Chem.), a white amorphous substance, intermediate between saccharic acid and mannite, and obtained by the partial oxidation of the latter.
MANNITOL
Man"ni*tol, n. Etym: [Mannite + -ol.] (Chem.)
Defn: The technical name of mannite. See Mannite.
MANNITOSE
Man"ni*tose`, n. (Chem.)