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

In a triglyceride, there are three fatty acids, each one connected to the same three-carbon glycerol molecule, which acts as the backbone of the molecule. —Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026

The material also contains cellulose wood fibers for tensile strength and structure, alginate derived from brown seaweed for dimensional stability necessary for 3D printing, plant glycerols for plastic flexibility, and water. —Shirl Leigh june 08, New Atlas, 8 June 2026

Waste glycerol turned into industrial material The platform uses glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026

But leak tests using glycerol and water found that the menstrual cups held up with no damage, and that the material didn't degrade. —Jessica Rendall, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

glycerin + -ol

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glycerol

• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole
• oriole
• petiole

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