ˈwər]stərz-, ˈwu̇(r)], ˈvu̇r]\ noun
Usage: usually capitalized W
Etymology: after C. Wurster fl 1805 German chemist
: any of several deeply colored semiquinones formed by partial oxidation (as with bromine) of the conjugate acid of para -phenylenediamine or its N -alkyl derivatives: as
a. or wurster's red or wurster's red salt : a red product made from N,N-dimethyl- para -phenylenediamine
b. or wurster's blue or wurster's blue salt : a blue product made from tetramethyl- para -phenylenediamine