phenyl

noun

phe·​nyl ˈfe-nᵊl How to pronounce phenyl (audio) ˈfē- How to pronounce phenyl (audio)
: a monovalent aryl radical C6H5− derived from benzene by removal of one hydrogen atom
often used in combination
phenylic adjective

Examples of phenyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Most abundant were the terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols, phenyl propanoids, and phenols. Discover Magazine, 19 Aug. 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phenyl.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenyl was circa 1850

Dictionary Entries Near phenyl

Cite this Entry

“Phenyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenyl. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

phenyl

noun
phe·​nyl
ˈfen-ᵊl, ˈfēn-, British also ˈfē-ˌnīl
: a monovalent group C6H5 that is an aryl group derived from benzene by removal of one hydrogen atom
often used in combination
phenylalanine

More from Merriam-Webster on phenyl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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