/i noh"si tawl', -tohl', uy noh"-/ , n.
1. Biochem. a compound, C 6 H 12 O 6 , derivative of cyclohexane, widely distributed in plants and seeds as phytin, and occurring in animal tissue and in urine: an essential growth factor for animal life, present in the vitamin B complex.
2. Pharm. the commercial form of this compound, a white, sweet, crystalline solid, used chiefly to promote epithelialization of the cervix after infection or injury. Also called hexahydroxycyclohexane .
[ 1890-95; inosite ( in-, s. of ís fiber, sinew + -OSE 2 + -ITE 1 ) + -OL 1 ]