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

Led by Dr. Shohei Kuraoka and his team at Southern Kyushu and Okinawa Unit Center of Japan Environment and Children's Study, researchers measured 24 types of phenols in urine samples collected from pregnant women.

From Science Daily

The bark of the trees - used in traditional medicine to treat everything from stomach complaints to infertility - contained chemicals with medicinal effects, from phenols to flavonoids.

From BBC

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

From Science Daily

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

From Seattle Times

But research suggests that aromatic amines and phenols, found in permanent hair dyes, have carcinogenic effects.

From Seattle Times