/i rith"ri tawl', -tol'/ , n. Chem., Pharm.
a white, crystalline, water-soluble, sweet-tasting, tetrahydroxyl compound, C 4 H 10 O 4 , related to the carbohydrates, obtained from certain lichens and used for coronary vasodilation and in the treatment of hypertension.
[ 1890-95; ERYTHRITE + -OL 1 ]