Definition

A white crystalline substance found in coal tar and some plants, produced when proteins break down. It has a strong smell and is used in making perfumes and other products.

Example

The chemist used indole in the laboratory to create a new fragrance.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of indole?

Yeah, I think it's that compound found in some plants, right?

Exactly! It's also used in perfumes, which is kind of interesting.

It is! I never knew it had such a strong smell, though.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Indole comes from the Latin 'in-' (meaning in) and 'dolere' (meaning to suffer or feel pain). The word originally referred to a natural disposition or character, suggesting an inherent quality or tendency within a person.

Memory Tip

Think of 'in-' meaning 'inside' and 'dolere' meaning 'to feel pain' — this helps you remember that 'indole' refers to an inherent quality or disposition within someone.

Visually Confused Words