glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈgli-sə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio) -ˌrōl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for glycerol 

Word History

Etymology

glycerin + -ol

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glycerol was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near glycerol

Cite this Entry

“Glycerol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycerol. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

glycerol

noun
glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
-ˌrōl
: a sweet colorless syrupy alcohol usually obtained from fats and oils

Medical Definition

glycerol

noun
glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio) -ˌrōl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on glycerol

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