menthol

American  

[men-thawl, -thol] / ˈmɛn θɔl, -θɒl /

noun

1. Also called hexahydrothymol, peppermint camphor.  Chemistry, Pharmacology. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble alcohol, C 1 0 H 2 0 O, obtained from peppermint oil or synthesized: used chiefly in perfumes, confections, cigarettes, and liqueurs and in medicine for colds and nasal disorders for its cooling effect on mucous membranes.

2. a mentholated cigarette.

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adjective

1. containing menthol; mentholated.

menthol British  

/ ˈmɛnθɒl /

noun

1. an optically active organic compound found in peppermint oil and used as an antiseptic, in inhalants, and as an analgesic. Formula: C 10 H 20 O

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menthol Scientific  

/ mĕn′thôl′ /

1. A white, crystalline compound obtained from peppermint oil. It is used as a flavoring and as a mild anesthetic. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₂₀ O.

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Etymology

Origin of menthol

1875–80; < New Latin Menth ( a ) ( see mint ¹) + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

menthol

Peppermint naturally contains compounds including menthol and flavonoids.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 22, 2026

The agency has previously authorized menthol and tobacco flavors.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

A mini natural mouth wash, gum, a charging cord, deodorant, there’s probably a spare pair of socks, and then those sniffy menthol things for your nose.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2026

And he didn't like it, says Aljin, when chopped onions were placed next to him, and menthol put under his eyes, to make him cry.

From BBC ● Dec. 15, 2025

The menthol covered the stench slightly, but still he gagged, and he was relieved that he hadn’t eaten all morning.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer