Urushiol

Pronunciation

• IPA: ʊˈɹuʃiˌɔl

Origin

From Japanese うるし (urushi, "lacquer") + -ol

Full definition of urushiol

Noun

1. (organic chemistry) An oil found in plants of the family Anacardiaceae, causing an allergic skin rash on contact; consists of a variable mixture of several organic compounds.
• 1986, Francine Brown, Skin CareAll three produce an oil, called urushiol, that is a potent allergen. Urushiol is most abundant in the leaves and stems of these plants...
• 1993, Jacquelyn G. Black, Microbiology: principles and applicationsPoison ivy vines also contain the irritating oil urushiol, so it is important to be able to recognize them in winter.
• 2000, C. Franklin Goldsmith, Shannon E. G. Hamrick, H. James Hamrick, The Best Hikes of Pisgah National ForestUpon exposure to air, urushiol can turn dark brown, which makes it easier to spot.