noun
- A colorless compound found in urine and other body fluids that turns blue when oxidized; a precursor to indigo.
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry; technical
Examples
- Indicans is normally present in small amounts in human urine.
- The presence of indicans in urine can be detected through chemical testing.
- When indicans is exposed to air, it oxidizes and produces a blue color.
- High levels of indicans in urine may indicate certain metabolic conditions.
- Indicans was historically used in the production of indigo dye.