ˈzanˌthēn noun
( -s )
Etymology: xanth- + -ene
1.
a. : a white crystalline heterocyclic compound C 13 H 10 O obtained by reduction of xanthone — called also 9H-xanthene ; compare structural formula
b. : an isomeric compound C 13 H 10 O that is the parent of the colored forms of the xanthene dyes — called also 3H-xanthene
2. : any of various derivatives of the two xanthenes ; especially : xanthene dye