menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

1

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint

2

menthols plural : mentholated cigarettes

Examples of menthol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The addition of menthol really brings the tape to life. —Cory Smith, Outside Online, 26 June 2024

Tobacco companies have aggressively marketed menthol cigarettes to Black people. —Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, The Conversation, 25 June 2024

Billions of dollars are at stake, with menthol cigarettes making up a third of the more than $65 billion in annual cigarette sales. —Fenit Nirappil, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

Toothpaste Toothpaste can quickly relieve mosquito bites, especially those containing menthol or baking soda. —Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 27 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, ultimately from Latin mentha mint

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

: a white soothing substance from oils of mint

Medical Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl  -ˌthōl 

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils, has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint, and is used in flavoring and in medicine (as locally to relieve pain, itching, and nasal congestion)