naphthol

[ naf-thawl, -thol, nap- ]

nounChemistry.
  1. either of two isomeric hydroxyl derivatives, C10H7OH, of naphthalene (alpha-naphthol, or 1-naphthol, and beta-naphthol, or 2-naphthol ), white or yellowish crystals, with a phenolic odor, that darken on exposure to light: used chiefly in dyes, drugs, perfumes, and insecticides.

Origin of naphthol

1
First recorded in 1840–50; naphth- + -ol1

Words Nearby naphthol

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use naphthol in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for naphthol

naphthol

/ (ˈnæfθɒl, ˈnæp-) /


noun
  1. a white crystalline solid having two isomeric forms, alpha-naphthol, used in dyes, and beta-naphthol, used in dyes and as an antioxidant. Formula: C 10 H 7 OH

Origin of naphthol

1
C19: from naphtha + -ol 1

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

Scientific definitions for naphthol

naphthol

[ năfthôl′, -thōl′, năp- ]


  1. A poisonous organic compound occurring in two isomeric forms. Both isomers are important in the manufacture of dyes, and also in making antiseptics, insecticides, and tanning agents. Naphthol consists of a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to naphthalene. Chemical formula: C10H8O.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.