n. [ Gr. 'a`nqrax coal. ] (Chem.) A solid hydrocarbon, C6H4.C2H2.C6H4, which accompanies naphthalene in the last stages of the distillation of coal tar. Its chief use is in the artificial production of alizarin. [ Written also anthracin. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A heavy green oil (partially solidifying on cooling), which distills over from coal tar at a temperature above 270°. It is the principal source of anthracene. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]