cresol

[ kree-sawl, -sol ]

noun

1. any of three isomeric compounds having the formula C 7 H 8 O, usually derived from coal tar and wood tar, and used chiefly as a disinfectant.

cresol

/ ˈkriːsɒl /

noun

1. an aromatic compound derived from phenol, existing in three isomeric forms: found in coal tar and creosote and used in making synthetic resins and as an antiseptic and disinfectant; hydroxytoluene. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CH 3 )OH Also calledcresylic acid Systematic namemethylphenol

Word History and Origins

Origin of cresol¹

1860–65; cres- (irregular from creosote ) + -ol ²

Example Sentences

After a pause of a few beats he says, “It’s caused by a cresol compound used by a manufacturer.”

From Literature

This one is composed of a long chain of small ring-containing compounds called cresol groups strung together in a polymer.

From Science Magazine

Cr�sylite is a French explosive, and contains picric acid and nitrated cresol.

From Project Gutenberg

The crude cresol obtained from tar cannot be separated into its different constituents by fractional distillation, since the boiling points of the three isomers are very close together.

From Project Gutenberg

Treatment.—Treatment consists in making incisions into the swellings and syringing them out with 2 per cent compound cresol solution.

From Project Gutenberg