1
: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C6H5OH present in the tars of coal and wood that in dilute solution is used as a disinfectant
2
: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons
Examples of phenol in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Finish: Long-lasting with citrus sweetness and plenty of phenols.
—
Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
This is partly because the spiciest peppers, in addition to having more capsaicin, tend to pack more beneficial compounds like antioxidants and phenols.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 17 June 2025
In other words, the sound produces tiny gas bubbles that suddenly implode within the grape skins, breaking down cell walls and extracting the phenols which characterize the wine.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Oct. 2017
The new study opens further questions about other ways plant phenols might make adjustments throughout the body that alter a person’s disease risk.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for phenol
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Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
This is partly because the spiciest peppers, in addition to having more capsaicin, tend to pack more beneficial compounds like antioxidants and phenols.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 17 June 2025
In other words, the sound produces tiny gas bubbles that suddenly implode within the grape skins, breaking down cell walls and extracting the phenols which characterize the wine.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Oct. 2017
The new study opens further questions about other ways plant phenols might make adjustments throughout the body that alter a person’s disease risk.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for phenol
Cite this Entry
“Phenol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenol. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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Medical Definition
1
: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C6H5OH present in coal tar and wood tar that is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals (as aspirin) and as a topical anesthetic in dilute solution
called also carbolic, carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene
2
: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons
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