phenol

[ fee-nawl, -nol ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. Also called carbolic acid, a white, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous mass, C 6 H 5 OH, obtained from coal tar, or a hydroxyl derivative of benzene: used chiefly as a disinfectant, as an antiseptic, and in organic synthesis.
2. any analogous hydroxyl derivative of benzene.

phenol

/ ˈfiːnɒl /

noun

1. Also calledcarbolic acid a white crystalline soluble poisonous acidic derivative of benzene, used as an antiseptic and disinfectant and in the manufacture of resins, nylon, dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals; hydroxybenzene. Formula: C 6 H 5 OH
2. chem any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds whose molecules contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound directly to a carbon atom in an aromatic ring

phenol

/ fē′nôl′,-nōl′ /

1. Any of a class of organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring. Phenols are similar to alcohols but are more soluble in water, and occur as colorless solids or liquids at room temperature. Some phenols occur naturally in the essential oils of plants. Phenols are used in industry to make plastics and detergents.
2. The simplest phenol, consisting of a benzene ring attached to a hydroxyl group (OH). It is a poisonous, white, crystalline compound and is used to make plastics and drugs. Also called carbolic acid. Chemical formula: C 6 H 6 O.

Other Words From

• phe·no·lic [fi-, noh, -lik, -, nol, -ik], adjective
• nonphe·nolic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenol¹

First recorded in 1850–55; phen(o)- + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

Gallic acid is a stable phenol and has become a standard measurement to determine phenol content in food.

From Science Daily

Tests showed total phenol content was reduced by 88%, 92% and 62% with boiling, pressure cooking and natural fermentation, respectively, compared to the raw plant.

From Science Daily

Cleaning agents can be toxic to pets, especially bleach, ammonia and chemical compounds that contain the word “phenol.”

From Seattle Times

Phenol is a corrosive compound found in many household cleaners.

From Seattle Times

According to a now-archived blog post by the university, after an hour, "all that remained in the beaker was a pair of brown carnauba wax eyes floating in a purple Phenol soup."

From Salon