thymol

American  

[thahy-mohl, -mawl] / ˈθaɪ moʊl, -mɔl /

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C 10 H 14 O, having a pungent, aromatic taste and odor, obtained from the oil distilled from thyme or prepared synthetically: used chiefly in perfumery, embalming, preserving biological specimens, and in medicine as a fungicide and antiseptic.

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thymol British  

/ ˈθaɪmɒl /

noun

1. a white crystalline substance with an aromatic odour, obtained from the oil of thyme and used as a fungicide, antiseptic, and anthelmintic and in perfumery and embalming; 2-isopropylphenol. Formula: (CH 3 ) 2 CHC 6 H 3 (CH 3 )OH

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Etymology

Origin of thymol

First recorded in 1855–60; thyme + -ol ²

Example Sentences

This reputation comes from several biologically active compounds -- thymol, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid -- that are known to support immune function while also offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

For basil, those oils are called eugenol and linalool; oregano gets its flavors from carvacrol and thymol.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2023

Some ingredients — lemon oil, vinegar, thymol — sound more like the makings of salad dressing with a few extras tossed in.

From Washington Post • Aug. 23, 2021

The essential oils in Listerine, such as thymol, eucalyptol and menthol, have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activity.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 25, 2020

M. A weak lotion of thymol, corrosive sublimate or ichthyol would doubtless be equally effectual.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman