phenol

[ fee-nawl, -nol ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. Also called carbolic acid, a white, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous mass, C 6 H 5 OH, obtained from coal tar, or a hydroxyl derivative of benzene: used chiefly as a disinfectant, as an antiseptic, and in organic synthesis.
2. any analogous hydroxyl derivative of benzene.

phenol

/ ˈfiːnɒl /

noun

1. Also calledcarbolic acid a white crystalline soluble poisonous acidic derivative of benzene, used as an antiseptic and disinfectant and in the manufacture of resins, nylon, dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals; hydroxybenzene. Formula: C 6 H 5 OH
2. chem any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds whose molecules contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound directly to a carbon atom in an aromatic ring

phenol

/ fē′nôl′,-nōl′ /

1. Any of a class of organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring. Phenols are similar to alcohols but are more soluble in water, and occur as colorless solids or liquids at room temperature. Some phenols occur naturally in the essential oils of plants. Phenols are used in industry to make plastics and detergents.
2. The simplest phenol, consisting of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxyl group (OH). It is a poisonous, white, crystalline compound and is used to make plastics and drugs. Also called carbolic acid. Chemical formula: C 6 H 6 O.

Other Words From

• phe·no·lic [fi-, noh, -lik, -, nol, -ik], adjective
• nonphe·nolic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenol¹

First recorded in 1850–55; phen(o)- + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

The presence of phenol causes a deep amethyst-blue color, as in Uffelmann's test for lactic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

It turned out that the man at the next bench had spilled a little phenol on the bench top.

From Project Gutenberg

Phenol, the author finds, is a constant component of human fces.

From Project Gutenberg

Methæmoglobin in the blood smaller than in para-acetamido-phenol, but more than when the methyl or ethyl compound is administered.

From Project Gutenberg

(b) Similarly obtain the phenol coefficient at 30 minutes contact period.

From Project Gutenberg