A crystalline phenolic acid found in some lichens and fungi, chiefly in the form of depsides such as lecanoric acid; 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid, C₈H₈O₄.
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of orsellinic acid in US English:
orsellinic acid
noun
Chemistry
A crystalline phenolic acid found in some lichens and fungi, chiefly in the form of depsides such as lecanoric acid; 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid, C₈H₈O₄.