glycol

American  

[glahy-kawl, -kol] / ˈglaɪ kɔl, -kɒl /

noun

1. Also called ethylene alcohol.  Also called ethylene glycol.  a colorless, sweet liquid, C 2 H 6 O 2 , used chiefly as an automobile antifreeze and as a solvent.

2. Also called diol.  any of a group of alcohols containing two hydroxyl groups.

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glycol British  

/ ˈɡlaɪkɒl, ɡlaɪˈkɒlɪk /

noun

1. another name (not in technical usage) for ethanediol diol

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glycol Scientific  

/ glī′kôl′,-kōl′ /

1. See ethylene glycol

2. Any of various alcohols containing two hydroxyl groups (OH).

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Other Word Forms

• glycolic adjective

Etymology

Origin of glycol

First recorded in 1855–60; glyc(erin) + (alcoh)ol

Example Sentences

A vapour barrier is placed on top of the insulation, before engineers lay mats containing glycol on top to keep the ice cold.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Monoethylene glycol demand may improve from 2027, while methanol demand is forecast to exceed new capacity in 2026 and most of 2027-2030, lifting operating rates steadily from 66% to 70%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Fomepizole works by blocking enzymes known as alcohol dehydrogenase, stopping the body from converting ethylene glycol and methanol into toxic byproducts.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2026

Unaware that he was severely allergic to glycol, a chemical component for the stage smoke used in concerts, Bunbury was forced to cancel his 35th anniversary tour in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Dilute potassium permanganate solution oxidizes it to ethylene glycol, HO�CH2�CH2�OH, whilst fuming nitric acid converts it into oxalic acid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 8 "Ethiopia" to "Evangelical Association" by Various