menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

1

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint

2

menthols plural : mentholated cigarettes

Examples of menthol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unfinished rules include a controversial ban on menthol cigarettes. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024

Della recommends seeking out specific ingredients like capsicum, menthol, and cinnamon. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024

Designed by two women entrepreneurs who love an active lifestyle, the tape is infused with magnesium and menthol to help relieve sore muscles and alleviate pain. —Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024

The intrigue: The Biden administration considered a federal menthol cigarette ban before hitting pause earlier this year citing potential backlash from the Black community, which uses those cigarettes at a higher rate than white consumers. —Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, ultimately from Latin mentha mint

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

: a white soothing substance from oils of mint

Medical Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl  -ˌthōl 

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils, has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint, and is used in flavoring and in medicine (as locally to relieve pain, itching, and nasal congestion)