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phenolphthalein


phe·nol·phtha·lein

noun
\ˌfē-nəl-ˈtha-lē-ən, -ˈtha-ˌlēn, -ˈthā-\

Definition of PHENOLPHTHALEIN

: a white or yellowish-white crystalline compound C20H14O4 used in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids and in medicine as a laxative

Origin of PHENOLPHTHALEIN

International Scientific Vocabulary phenol + phthalein any of various xanthene dyes, from phthalic acid
First Known Use: 1875

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