- a white, crystalline, water-soluble, sweet-tasting, tetrahydroxyl compound, C4H10O4, related to the carbohydrates, obtained from certain lichens and used for coronary vasodilation and in the treatment of hypertension.
- a sweet crystalline compound extracted from certain algae and lichens and used in medicine to dilate the blood vessels of the heart; 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol. Formula: C 4 H 10 O 4
