naphthol

[ naf-thawl, -thol, nap- ]
/ ˈnæf θɔl, -θɒl, ˈnæp- /

noun Chemistry.

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.

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Also called hydroxynaphthalene.

Origin of naphthol

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

Words nearby naphthol

naphtha, naphthacene, naphthalene, naphthalize, naphthene, naphthol, naphthol yellow s, naphthyl, naphthyl group, napier, napier grass
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for naphthol

British Dictionary definitions for naphthol

naphthol
/ (ˈnæfθɒl, ˈnæp-) /

noun

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

Word Origin for naphthol

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

Medical definitions for naphthol

naphthol
[ năf′thôl′, -thōl′, năp′- ]

n.

An organic compound occurring in two isomeric forms, alpha-naphthol and beta-naphthol.naphthalenol
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for naphthol

naphthol
[ năf′thôl′, -thōl′, năp′- ]

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.