safrole

[ saf-rohl ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless or faintly yellow liquid, C 1 0 H 1 0 O 2 , obtained from sassafras oil or the like: used chiefly in perfumery, for flavoring, and in the manufacture of soaps.

safrole

/ ˈsæfrəʊl /

noun

1. a colourless or yellowish oily water-insoluble liquid present in sassafras and camphor oils and used in soaps and perfumes. Formula: C 10 H 10 O 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of safrole¹

First recorded in 1865–70; (sas)safr(as) + -ole ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of safrole¹

C19: from ( sas ) safr ( as ) + -ole ¹

Example Sentences

Many of the root beers of today still taste like sassafras, however, from artificial sassafras flavoring or extracts without safrole.

From Seattle Times

Note, however, that nutmeg is considered an intoxicant and is classified by some Muslim jurists as haram, as it’s laced with myristicin, which has hallucinogenic properties, and safrole, a chemical sometimes used in synthesizing the psychedelic MDMA.

From New York Times

Documents filed in federal court in Honolulu say Wolfgang Hans Langlois put safrole oil in wine bottles hidden in household items he shipped from Germany to Kauai last year.

From Washington Times

Documents filed in federal court in Honolulu say Wolfgang Hans Langlois put safrole oil in wine bottles hidden in household items he shipped from Germany to Kauai last year.

From US News

They are quick to caution: Safrole cannot be used in people, in part because it is toxic and carcinogenic.

From Scientific American