{ } n. [ See Abietene. ] (Chem.) A resinous obtained from Strasburg turpentine or Canada balsam. It is without taste or smell, is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol (especially at the boiling point), in strong acetic acid, and in ether. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to abietin; as, abietinic acid. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a B vitamin (C10H16N2O3S) that aids in body growth; -- called also vitamin H and coenzyme R. It functions as a coenzyme in many carboxylation reactions. Biotin binds tightly to the substance avidin, found in raw egg-whites. Rats or chick on a diet high in raw egg-white may develop skin lesions and retarded growth, which can be prevented by adding biotin to the diet. [ MI11 ]
Syn. -- . [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]