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

State law enforcement agencies have since reported a massive increase in seizures of menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes, as well as arrests and prosecutions of sellers.

From Slate

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized only a handful of vaping products, none of them in flavors other than tobacco or menthol, meaning that the vast majority of e-cigarettes are sold in various shades of illegality.

From Slate

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

Menthol is a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene alcohol found in various plants, particularly in members of the mint family such as peppermint and spearmint.

From Science Daily