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cresol

noun
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cre·​sol | \ ˈkrē-ˌsȯl How to pronounce cresol (audio) , -ˌsōl \

Definition of cresol

: any of three poisonous colorless crystalline or liquid isomeric phenols C7H8O

Examples of cresol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The constantly present base notes are the short-chain straight and branched acids, cresol and other phenolics, and skatole. — Harold Mcgee, Wired, "The History of Poop Is Really the History of Technology," 6 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cresol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of cresol

circa 1869, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cresol

International Scientific Vocabulary, irregular from creosote

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Time Traveler for cresol

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The first known use of cresol was circa 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Cresol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cresol. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for cresol

cresol

noun
cre·​sol | \ ˈkrē-ˌsȯl, -ˌsōl How to pronounce cresol (audio) \

Medical Definition of cresol

1 : any of three poisonous colorless crystalline or liquid isomeric phenols C7H8O that are used as disinfectants, in making phenolic resins and plasticizers, and in organic synthesis — see metacresol, orthocresol, paracresol
2 : a mixture of cresol isomers

— called also tricresol

More from Merriam-Webster on cresol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cresol

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