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

Reducing cooking times with EVOO will also ensure a high level of phenols. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024

Athletes cannot jump into waters that reek of phenol or that are slicked with oil, thick with birds or algal blooms, ribboned with sewage, or studded with garbage. —Jessica Leigh Hester, The Atlantic, 31 July 2024

According to the distillery, these barrels are toasted for an hour and then capped to trap the heat, allowing phenols to embed in the wood and add a subtle note of smoke that will infuse into the whiskey. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 July 2024

Its soft tip gently dispenses a medicated liquid composed of benzocaine 5%, camphor 3%, and phenol 1.35%, instantly disinfecting it and providing mess-free relief. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 4 June 2024

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

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