A white crystalline substance, C6H4 (OH)2, of the phenol series, found in various plants; -- so called because first obtained by distillation of gum catechu. Called also catechol, oxyphenol. etc.
Syn.: catechol, orthodihydroxybenzene, oxyphenol. A substance, C6H4 (OH)2, isomeric with resorcin and hydroquinon. It has been found in normal urine.
