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

Those which are cheapest and most available for animal diseases are ordinary freshly slaked lime or unslaked in powder, chlorid of lime, crude carbolic acid, corrosive sublimate, formaldehyde gas, formalin, and compound cresol solution.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

The projecting ends of the pins should be cut off close to the ligature, and the parts kept anointed with vaseline, to which 2 per cent of compound cresol has been added.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

The orbital cavity, after washing it out with a 3 per cent solution of carbolic acid or compound cresol, should be packed daily with fresh absorbent cotton.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry