carvacrol

American  

[kahr-vuh-krawl, -krohl] / ˈkɑr vəˌkrɔl, -ˌkroʊl /

noun

1. a colorless, thick, oily liquid, C 10 H 14 O, having a mintlike odor: used chiefly as a disinfectant, as a fungicide, and as a scent in the manufacture of perfume.

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Etymology

Origin of carvacrol

1850–55; < Medieval Latin caru ( i ) caraway + Latin acr- (stem of acer sharp; acrid ) + -ol ¹

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

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

From Salon

Oregano also contains two compounds, thymol and carvacrol, that have strong antibacterial activity.

From Salon

But Myrmica ants have evolved the ability to detoxify carvacrol, an insecticide that is the principal ingredient of the oregano’s defense system.

From New York Times

An extra strong whiff of carvacrol signals not only the right food plant for the infant caterpillars but also the fact that beneath this particular plant is a nest of Myrmica ants.

From New York Times