thymol

American  

[thahy-mohl, -mawl] / ˈθaɪ moʊl, -mɔl /

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C 10 H 14 O, having a pungent, aromatic taste and odor, obtained from the oil distilled from thyme or prepared synthetically: used chiefly in perfumery, embalming, preserving biological specimens, and in medicine as a fungicide and antiseptic.

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thymol British  

/ ˈθaɪmɒl /

noun

1. a white crystalline substance with an aromatic odour, obtained from the oil of thyme and used as a fungicide, antiseptic, and anthelmintic and in perfumery and embalming; 2-isopropylphenol. Formula: (CH 3 ) 2 CHC 6 H 3 (CH 3 )OH

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Etymology

Origin of thymol

First recorded in 1855–60; thyme + -ol ²

Example Sentences

This reputation comes from several biologically active compounds -- thymol, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid -- that are known to support immune function while also offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

For basil, those oils are called eugenol and linalool; oregano gets its flavors from carvacrol and thymol.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2023

Some ingredients — lemon oil, vinegar, thymol — sound more like the makings of salad dressing with a few extras tossed in.

From Washington Post • Aug. 23, 2021

The essential oils in Listerine, such as thymol, eucalyptol and menthol, have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activity.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 25, 2020

A suitable blend is 2-1/2 per cent. of thymol crystals and 1-1/2 per cent. of a good red thyme oil.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.