ˈvan ə lə̇n, vəˈnilə̇n noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary vanilla + -in
1. : a crystalline phenolic aldehyde CH 3 O(OH)C 6 H 3 CHO that is the principal fragrant component of vanilla and occurs in many other plants (as the tonka bean), that is usually made synthetically, and that is used chiefly in flavoring and in perfumery; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde
2. : an aldehyde isomeric with vanillin ; especially : the ortho isomer; 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde