resorcinol

[ ri-zawr-suh-nawl, -nol ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, needlelike, water-soluble solid, C 6 H 6 O 2 , a benzene derivative originally obtained from certain resins, now usually synthesized: used chiefly in making dyes, as a reagent, in tanning, in the synthesis of certain resins, and in medicine in treating certain skin conditions; meta-dihydroxybenzene.

resorcinol

/ rɪˈzɔːsɪˌnɒl /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline phenol with a sweet taste, used in making dyes, drugs, resins, and adhesives. Formula: C 6 H 4 (OH) 2 ; relative density: 1.27; melting pt: 111°C; boiling pt at 1 atm.: 276°C

Derived Forms

• reˈsorcinal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resorcinol¹

First recorded in 1880–85; res(in) + orcinol

Word History and Origins

Origin of resorcinol¹

C19: New Latin, from resin + orcinol

Example Sentences

Some Direct Colours, indeed, are of little value, owing, for example, to their sensibility to acids, until they have been diazotized and developed, the usual developers being β-naphthol, resorcinol, phenol and phenylene-diamine.

From Project Gutenberg

The other compound, resorcinol, was known to chemistry ten years before it was utilized as a source of colouring-matters.

From Project Gutenberg

After mixing the ointment heat it until the resorcinol crystals melt to prevent any irritation of the skin from them.

From Project Gutenberg

Further, an excellent group of coloring matters, giving fast browns and greens with copper and iron mordants respectively, is formed by naphthol green, resorcinol green, gambin, and dioxin.

From Project Gutenberg

The condensation product—prepared as described for resorcinol, but requiring higher temperature—is a brick-red powder, insoluble in water.

From Project Gutenberg