Chem. A substance obtained from catechu, etc., after the removal of the tannin; a white powder composed of very small silky needles.
1853. Pharm. Jrnl., XIII. 79. He has detected catechine in kino.
1876. Harley, Mat. Med., 641. The insoluble portion is a mass of acicular crystals, catechin or catechuic acid.
