glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈgli-sə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C₃H₈O₃ usually obtained by the saponification of fats

Examples of glycerol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Foods containing artificial sweeteners (particularly sugar alcohols, like sorbitol, mannitol, and glycerol) can also dial up the gas in your GI tract and lead to bloating. —Marygrace Taylor, SELF, 2 May 2024

Medium bodied and a little glycerol on the palate, this is a little more structured to go with food, but uncomplicated enough for a simple quaff. —Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

Formulated with a blend of glycerol rosinate wax, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, the wax strips are designed with vegan ingredients that gently yet effectively lift hair away from the skin, leaving behind a smooth and soft surface. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 15 Jan. 2024

It’s also known that woolly worm caterpillars accumulate large quantities of glycerol, a substance similar to antifreeze. —Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

glycerin + -ol

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl 

-ˌrōl

: a sweet colorless syrupy alcohol usually obtained from fats and oils

Medical Definition

glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C₃H₈O₃ usually obtained by the saponification of fats and used especially as a solvent and plasticizer, as a moistening agent, emollient, and lubricant, and as an emulsifying agent

called also glycerin