glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈgli-sə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C₃H₈O₃ usually obtained by the saponification of fats

Examples of glycerol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In rare cases, people have experienced allergic reactions to ingesting and applying glycerol. —Carley Millhone, Health, 8 Oct. 2024

It was also used in explosives, as one of the byproducts of whale oil soap is glycerol. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2024

Glycerin, or glycerol, is a carbohydrate added to skincare, medications, and foods. —Carley Millhone, Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Past research that rendered skin transparent focused on introducing already transparent materials, including glycerol and fructose solution. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

glycerin + -ol

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl 

-ˌrōl

: a sweet colorless syrupy alcohol usually obtained from fats and oils

Medical Definition

glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C₃H₈O₃ usually obtained by the saponification of fats and used especially as a solvent and plasticizer, as a moistening agent, emollient, and lubricant, and as an emulsifying agent

called also glycerin