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
See all Example Sentences for phenol 
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
See all Example Sentences for phenol
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phenol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Phenol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenol. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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Medical Definition
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
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