ˈinˌdōl noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary ind- (II) + -ole; originally formed as German indol
1. : a crystalline compound C 8 H 7 N that is found especially in jasmine oil, civet, and coal tar and along with skatole in the intestines and feces as a decomposition product of proteins containing tryptophan, that may be formed by reductive distillation of indigo with zinc, and that in spite of its unpleasant odor when concentrated is used as a trace component of floral perfumes (as jasmine, gardenia, or lilac) — compare structural formula
2. : a derivative of indole