phenolic

1 of 2

adjective

phe·​no·​lic fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnä- 

1

a

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phenol

b

: containing or derived from a phenol

2

: of, relating to, or being a phenolic

phenolic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a usually thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used especially for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives

called also phenolic resin

2

: phenol sense 2

Examples of phenolic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Wheat bran is primarily insoluble fiber with a little protein, fat and phenolic compounds. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Among the most studied are flavonoids (plant pigments that can act as antioxidants) and phenolic compounds (a broad group of plant chemicals often linked to protective effects in cells). — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2026

Noun

Some say sulfurous and phenolic, others say straight-up skunky. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

Many of kombucha’s potential health benefits are due to the plant compounds (phenolics) in it. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phenolic

• bucolic
• carbolic
• embolic
• glycolic
• hydraulic
• podzolic
• symbolic
• systolic
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic

Medical Definition

phenolic

1 of 2 adjective

phe·​no·​lic

fi-ˈnō-lik, -ˈnäl-ik

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phenol

also : containing or derived from a phenol

phenolic

2 of 2 noun

: phenol sense 2