Definition of "harman" in English

noun

1. (obsolete, thieves' cant) A policeman.

2. (organic chemistry) An indole alkaloid, 1-methyl-9H-β-carboline (C12H10N2) found in several foods, plants and beverages which is carcinogen. It is a specific, reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A.

   • Harman is a common compound in several foods, plants and beverages. Numerous studies have demonstrated its mutagenic, co-mutagenic and carcinogenic effects; however, the exact mechanism has not been fully identified.