phenol

American  

[fee-nawl, -nol] / ˈfi nɔl, -nɒl /

noun

Chemistry.

1. Also called hydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenylic acid.  Also called carbolic acid,.  a white, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous mass, C 6 H 5 OH, obtained from coal tar, or a hydroxyl derivative of benzene: used chiefly as a disinfectant, as an antiseptic, and in organic synthesis.

2. any analogous hydroxyl derivative of benzene.

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phenol British  

/ ˈfiːnɒl /

noun

1. Also called: carbolic acid.  a white crystalline soluble poisonous acidic derivative of benzene, used as an antiseptic and disinfectant and in the manufacture of resins, nylon, dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals; hydroxybenzene. Formula: C 6 H 5 OH

2. chem any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds whose molecules contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound directly to a carbon atom in an aromatic ring

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phenol Scientific  

/ fē′nôl′,-nōl′ /

1. Any of a class of organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring. Phenols are similar to alcohols but are more soluble in water, and occur as colorless solids or liquids at room temperature. Some phenols occur naturally in the essential oils of plants. Phenols are used in industry to make plastics and detergents.

2. The simplest phenol, consisting of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxyl group (OH). It is a poisonous, white, crystalline compound and is used to make plastics and drugs. Also called carbolic acid. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₆ O.

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Other Word Forms

• nonphenolic
  adjective
• phenolic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of phenol

First recorded in 1850–55; phen(o)- + -ol ¹

Compare meaning

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

• phenyl vs. phenol

Example Sentences

Phenol is a corrosive compound found in many household cleaners.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2024

According to a now-archived blog post by the university, after an hour, "all that remained in the beaker was a pair of brown carnauba wax eyes floating in a purple Phenol soup."

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2023

The Great Phenol Plot was exposed and the brand’s reputation was ruined in America.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2012

I never told you what happened in that Phenol Case of mine many years ago.

From The Professional Approach by Schoenherr, John

Phenol is obtained from coal-tar, or made synthetically from benzene.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 3: Estremoz to Felspar by Various