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

For local treatment of wounds the usual antiseptics are indicated, such as 3 per cent compound cresol or carbolic acid, or one one-thousandth bichlorid-of-mercury solution.

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

If this fails to have the desired effect compound cresol, 1 ounce to 2 quarts of water, should be used as a wash.

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

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

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