SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

anisole

noun
Save Word
an·​is·​ole | \ ˈanəˌsōl \
plural -s

Definition of anisole

: a colorless liquid ether C6H5OCH3 of pleasant odor obtained by distilling anisic acid or by the action of dimethyl sulfate and alkali on phenol and used chiefly in perfumery; methyl phenyl ether

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 anisole

1842, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for anisole

French anisol, from anis- aniso- entry 2 + -ol -ole

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about anisole

Time Traveler for anisole

Time Traveler

The first known use of anisole was in 1842

See more words from the same year

Statistics for anisole

Cite this Entry

“Anisole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anisole. Accessed 23 Jan. 2021.

Comments on anisole

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

ad hominem

Listen to the pronunciation of ad hominem

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times

  • ducreux self portrait yawning
  • What is an earlier meaning of nice?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

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