menthol

[ men-thawl, -thol ]

noun

1. Also called hexahydrothymol, peppermint camphor. Chemistry, Pharmacology. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble alcohol, C 1 0 H 2 0 O, obtained from peppermint oil or synthesized: used chiefly in perfumes, confections, cigarettes, and liqueurs and in medicine for colds and nasal disorders for its cooling effect on mucous membranes.
2. a mentholated cigarette.

adjective

1. containing menthol; mentholated.

menthol

/ ˈmɛnθɒl /

noun

1. an optically active organic compound found in peppermint oil and used as an antiseptic, in inhalants, and as an analgesic. Formula: C 10 H 20 O

menthol

/ mĕn′thôl′ /

1. A white, crystalline compound obtained from peppermint oil. It is used as a flavoring and as a mild anesthetic. Chemical formula: C 10 H 20 O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of menthol¹

1875–80; < New Latin Menth ( a ) ( mint ¹ ) + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of menthol¹

C19: from German, from Latin mentha mint ¹

Example Sentences

Lawmakers passed the 2022 legislation days after Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, cleared its bans on the sale of flavored tobacco and menthol tobacco products, which would have been enacted early this year.

From Seattle Times

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have synthesized novel amino acid derivatives of menthol and studied its properties.

From Science Daily

The Biden administration said on Friday that it was delaying a decision on whether to ban menthol cigarettes as federal officials take more time to consider the move.

From New York Times

The lawsuit is the latest effort to force the government to ban menthols, which are disproportionately used by Black smokers and young people.

From Seattle Times

Famous for detecting the “cool” sensation of menthol, it also detects cold temperatures and helped earn its discoverers the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2021.

From Science Magazine