glycol

[ glahy-kawl, -kol ]

noun

1. Also called ethylene glycol,. a colorless, sweet liquid, C 2 H 6 O 2 , used chiefly as an automobile antifreeze and as a solvent.
2. Also called diol. any of a group of alcohols containing two hydroxyl groups.

glycol

/ ˈɡlaɪkɒl; ɡlaɪˈkɒlɪk /

noun

1. another name (not in technical usage) for ethanediol diol

glycol

/ glī′kôl′,-kōl′ /

1. See ethylene glycol
2. Any of various alcohols containing two hydroxyl groups (OH).

Derived Forms

• glycolic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glycol¹

First recorded in 1855–60; glyc(erin) + (alcoh)ol

Example Sentences

The oligoethylene glycol units act as a type of shock absorber that adjusts to the appropriate length to make certain the shapes can fit together in a near-perfect manner.

From Science Daily

As much as 3,000 gallons of glycol coolant are pumped into custom-made aluminum trays.

From Seattle Times

The leaching performance of citric acid and ethylene glycol has been explored before, but that approach used more acid and a lower temperature, which proved less effective, Bai said.

From Science Daily

The Public Prosecutor said that between October 2021 and February 2022 the company received two batches of propylene glycol, which is used for making cough syrup.

From BBC

In June, the WHO told Reuters its working theory was that in 2021, when prices of propylene glycol spiked, one or more suppliers mixed the cheaper toxic liquids with the legitimate chemical.

From Reuters