phenol

noun

phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl 

-ˌnȯl;

fi-ˈnōl,

-ˈnȯl 

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

China's advancements in bamboo composites, like low-aldehyde/phenol adhesives and mild pyrolytic techniques to remove contaminants while maintaining its cellulose structure make bamboo a leading renewable material for construction, not only for its resilience but also for its sustainability. —New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2025

Unfortunately, as of January 2025, the original P50 1970 lotion was discontinued in the U.S. due to new FDA ingredients regulations that prohibit phenol from being used in cosmetic skin-care products. —Mia Maguire, StyleCaster, 5 Feb. 2025

The ppm measure represents phenol concentrations (a group of aromatic organic compounds) in the malted barley. —Toby Ann Halamka, JSTOR Daily, 6 Feb. 2025

Raisins are one of the best sources of phenols, an antioxidant known to protect against various diseases ranging from cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes to Alzheimer's Disease and Rheumatoid arthritis. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary phen- + -ol entry 3

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing phenol

• phenol red

Rhymes for phenol

• allopurinol
• eugenol

Kids Definition

phenol

noun

phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl  -ˌnȯl 

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  -ˌnȯl 

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