anthracene Meaning, Definition & Usage

An"thra*cene noun

Etymology

Gr. coal.

Definitions

1. (Chem.) A solid hydrocarbon, C6H4.C2H2.C6H4, which accompanies naphthalene in the last stages of the distillation of coal tar. Its chief use is in the artificial production of alizarin. Written also anthracin. tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.