Chem. [f. LÆVUL-OSE + -IN.] A substance resembling dextrin, obtained from the roots of certain composite plants. Hence Lævulinic, only in l. acid (see quot. 1888).
1888. Syd. Soc. Lex., Lævulin, C6H10O5 … Lævulinic acid … C5H8O3.
1897. Naturalist, 44. The root contains … also sugar, levulin, while its juice exposed to the air ferments.
