Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

anil

noun
an·il | \ˈanᵊl\
plural -s

Definition of anil 

: a Schiff base derived from an aromatic amine especially : one derived from aniline the anil C6H5CH:NC6H5 of benzaldehyde

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of anil

1894, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for anil

International Scientific Vocabulary, from aniline

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about anil

Dictionary Entries near anil

an if

anigh

anight

anil

anilao

anile

anilic

Statistics for anil

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for anil

The first known use of anil was in 1894

See more words from the same year

Comments on anil

What made you want to look up anil? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

superjacent

lying above or upon

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games