cresol

American  

[kree-sawl, -sol] / ˈkri sɔl, -sɒl /

noun

1. any of three isomeric compounds having the formula C 7 H 8 O, usually derived from coal tar and wood tar, and used chiefly as a disinfectant.

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cresol British  

/ ˈkriːsɒl /

noun

1. Also called: cresylic acid.  Systematic name: methylphenol.  an aromatic compound derived from phenol, existing in three isomeric forms: found in coal tar and creosote and used in making synthetic resins and as an antiseptic and disinfectant; hydroxytoluene. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CH 3 )OH

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Etymology

Origin of cresol

1860–65; cres- (irregular from creosote ) + -ol ²

Example Sentences

By treating fibers with several chemicals, including cresol, alcohol, benzol and hydrochloric acid, he converts them into a resinous plastic.

From Time Magazine Archive

After a pause of a few beats he says, “It’s caused by a cresol compound used by a manufacturer.”

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

In moist gangrene the tissue should be thoroughly disinfected with a 3 per cent solution of compound cresol, or particularly an alcoholic tincture of camphor.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.

Knives and instruments that are liable to be damaged by heat should be purified by being soaked in pure cresol for a few minutes, or in 1 in 20 carbolic for at least an hour.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

Compound cresol may be used in a 1 to 3 per cent solution in water.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.