naphthol

noun

naph·​thol ˈnaf-ˌthȯl  -ˌthōl 

 nonstandard  ˈnap-

1

: either of two isomeric derivatives C₁₀H₈O of naphthalene used as antiseptics and in the manufacture of dyes

2

: any of various hydroxy derivatives of naphthalene that resemble the simpler phenols

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

naphthol

noun

naph·​thol ˈnaf-ˌthȯl  ˈnap- 

-ˌthōl

: either of two isomeric derivatives C₁₀H₈O of naphthalene found in coal tar or made synthetically:

a

: one used chiefly in synthesizing dyes

called also alpha-naphthol

b

: one used chiefly as an intermediate (as for dyes and pharmaceuticals) and especially formerly in medicine as an antiseptic and parasiticide

called also beta-naphthol