1. 2,3-Benzopyrrole; basis of many biologically active substances ( e.g., serotonin, tryptophan); formed in degradation of tryptophan. SYN: ketole. 2. Any of many alkaloids containing the i. (1) structure.
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in·dole 'in-.dōl n a crystalline compound C8H7N that is found along with skatole in the intestines and feces as a decomposition product of proteins containing tryptophan and that can be made synthetically also a derivative of indole
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n.
a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, excreted in the urine and faeces. Abnormal patterns of urinary indole excretion are found in some mentally retarded patients.
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in·dole (inґdōl) 1. a heterocyclic compound, obtained from coal tar and also produced by the decomposition of tryptophan in the intestine; it is partly responsible for the peculiar odor of the feces. 2. any of numerous compounds containing the ring structure of this compound.Medical dictionary. 2011.