1. (Chem.) A glucoside obtained from woad (indigo plant) and other
plants, as a yellow or light brown sirup. It has a nauseous bitter
taste, and decomposes on drying. By the action of acids, ferments,
etc., it breaks down into sugar and indigo. It is the source of natural
indigo.
2. (Physiol. Chem.) An indigo-forming substance, found in urine, and
other animal fluids, and convertible into red and blue indigo (urrhodin
and uroglaucin). Chemically, it is indoxyl sulphate of potash,
C8H6NSO4K, and is derived from the indol formed in the alimentary
canal. Called also uroxanthin.
In"di*cant (?), a. [L. indicans, p. pr. indicare. See Indicate.]
Serving to point out, as a remedy; indicating.
In"di*cant, n. That which indicates or points out; as, an indicant of
the remedy for a disease.
In"di*cate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Indicated (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Indicating (?).] [L. indicatus, p. p. of indicare to indicate; pref.
in- in + dicare to proclaim; akin to dicere to say. See Diction, and
cf. Indict, Indite.]
1. To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to
make known.
That turns and turns to indicate From what point blows the weather.
Cowper.
2. (Med.) To show or manifest by symptoms; to point to as the proper
remedies; as, great prostration of strength indicates the use of
stimulants.
3. (Mach.) To investigate the condition or power of, as of steam
engine, by means of an indicator.
Syn. -- To show; mark; signify; denote; discover; evidence; evince;
manifest; declare; specify; explain; exhibit; present; reveal;
disclose; display.
In"di*ca`ted (?), a. Shown; denoted; registered; measured.
Indicated power. See Indicated horse power, under Horse power.