phenol

noun

phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl How to pronounce phenol (audio)
-ˌnȯl;
fi-ˈnōl,
-ˈnȯl How to pronounce phenol (audio)
1
: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C6H5OH present in the tars of coal and wood that in dilute solution is used as a disinfectant
2
: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons

Examples of phenol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reducing cooking times with EVOO will also ensure a high level of phenols. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024 Athletes cannot jump into waters that reek of phenol or that are slicked with oil, thick with birds or algal blooms, ribboned with sewage, or studded with garbage. Jessica Leigh Hester, The Atlantic, 31 July 2024 According to the distillery, these barrels are toasted for an hour and then capped to trap the heat, allowing phenols to embed in the wood and add a subtle note of smoke that will infuse into the whiskey. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 July 2024 Its soft tip gently dispenses a medicated liquid composed of benzocaine 5%, camphor 3%, and phenol 1.35%, instantly disinfecting it and providing mess-free relief. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 4 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for phenol 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary phen- + -ol entry 3

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenol was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near phenol

Cite this Entry

“Phenol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenol. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

phenol

noun
phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl How to pronounce phenol (audio) -ˌnȯl How to pronounce phenol (audio)
fi-ˈnōl,
-ˈnȯl
: a white poisonous acidic compound present in tars from coal and wood that when dissolved to make a weak liquid mixture is used as a disinfectant
phenolic
fi-ˈnō-lik
-ˈnäl-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

phenol

noun
phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl How to pronounce phenol (audio) -ˌnȯl How to pronounce phenol (audio)
fi-ˈ
1
: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C6H5OH present in coal tar and wood tar that is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals (as aspirin) and as a topical anesthetic in dilute solution

called also carbolic, carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene

2
: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons

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