ˈmanəˌtȯl, -tōl noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary mannite + -ol
: a slightly sweet crystalline hexahydroxy alcohol C 6 H 8 (OH) 6 known in three optically isomeric forms obtainable by reduction of mannose ; especially : the levorotatory d -form that is the principal constituent of the manna of manna ash and is found also in many other higher plants, algae, and fungi but is usually manufactured along with sorbitol and that is used chiefly in the form of the hexanitrate and in aqueous solution for intravenous administration as a diagnostic test of kidney function