Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

isopropyl alcohol

American  

noun

Chemistry.
  1. a colorless, flammable, water-soluble liquid, C 3 H 8 O, produced from propylene by the action of sulfuric acid and hydrolysis: used chiefly in the manufacture of antifreeze and rubbing alcohol and as a solvent.


isopropyl alcohol Scientific  
/ ī′sə-prō′pəl /
  1. A clear, colorless, flammable, mobile liquid that is one of the two isomers of propyl alcohol. It is used in antifreeze compounds, rubbing alcohol, lotions, and cosmetics, and also as a solvent for gums, shellac, and essential oils. Chemical formula: C 3 H 8 O.


Etymology

Origin of isopropyl alcohol

First recorded in 1870–75


Compare meaning

How does isopropyl-alcohol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:


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:

Of the 3,205 closed-fracture patients who received 0.7% iodine povacrylex in 74% isopropyl alcohol, 77, or 2.4 percent, developed a surgical-site infection.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 1, 2024

I have had good luck with isopropyl alcohol and pure acetone, but a professional may know the best process to use.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 25, 2022

Some installers use a solution of isopropyl alcohol to clean the paint and then use compressed air to blow off any remaining dirt particles.

From Seattle Times ● May 18, 2022

The culprit is methanol, a poor cousin of isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol, the approved active ingredients in hand sanitizing products.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2020

Reduction by sodium amalgam converts it into isopropyl alcohol; oxidation by chromic acid gives carbon dioxide and acetic acid.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com