phenol

phe·nol

noun \ˈfē-ˌnōl, -ˌnȯl, fi-ˈ\

Definition of PHENOL

1

: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C₆H₅OH present in the tars of coal and wood that in dilute solution is used as a disinfectant

2

: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons

Origin of PHENOL

International Scientific Vocabulary phen- + ³-ol

First Known Use: circa 1852

phe·nol

noun \ˈfē-ˌnōl, -ˌnȯl, fi-ˈ\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PHENOL

1

: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C₆H₅OH present in coal tar and wood tar that is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals (as aspirin) and as a topical anesthetic in dilute solution—called also carbolic, carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene

2

: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons

phenol

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a class of organic compounds with a hydroxyl group (OH; see functional group) attached to a carbon atom in a ring of an aromatic compound. The simplest one, carbolic acid (CHOH), is also called phenol; its most important reaction is with formaldehyde, with which it forms widely used polymers called phenol-formaldehyde (phenolic) resins. Phenols are similar to alcohols but form stronger hydrogen bonds (see bonding), so they dissolve more readily in water and boil at higher temperatures. They may be colourless liquids or white solids; many have a sharp, spicy odour. Some are found in essential oils. Phenols with higher molecular weights and phenol derivatives have supplanted phenol itself as industrial antiseptics (germicidal cleaners). See also Leo Baekeland.