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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cresol

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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

Treatment.—A warm bran poltice, made by mixing bran with a hot 2 per cent compound cresol solution in water, should be applied on the swollen gland and kept in place by means of a bandage.

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

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 Alexis Thomson

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

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