phenol

noun phe·nol \ ˈfē-ˌnōl , -ˌnȯl ; fi-ˈnōl , -ˈnȯl \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Definition of phenol

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

See phenol defined for kids

Recent Examples of phenol from the Web

Yet the list of ingredients (one version contains phenol, a potential irritant) didn’t sit well with her.

— kari molvar, Vogue, "Meet Moon Juice’s Next Cult Creation: Skin Care With Super-herbs," 7 June 2018
Dark chocolate is touted for its sky-high levels of antioxidants like phenols, natural plant compounds that have been shown to protect your heart and improve memory.

— marygrace taylor, Woman's Day, "These 10 Foods Are Cheaper and Healthier Than Pricey 'Superfoods'," 24 Nov. 2014
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, phenol is an acid in both substance and vapor form that is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

— amy lieu, Fox News, "Chemical spill at Chicago-area medical clinic sends at least 15 to hospital," 28 Mar. 2018
Tests showed the soil and quarries were contaminated with hazards including cyanide, arsenic, mercury, fluorene, ammonia, phenol and other volatile organic compounds.

— frank kummer, Philly.com, "EPA settlement at Upper Merion Superfund site could make way for new apartments," 26 Mar. 2018
Initially, the company reported a half ton of phenol, which can burn skin and be potentially fatal, was spilled.

— Time, "'Nothing Short of Catastrophic.' Hurricane Harvey's Toxic Impact Worse Than Publicly Reported, Records Show," 22 Mar. 2018
Initially, the company reported a half ton of phenol, which can burn skin and be potentially fatal, was spilled.

— OrlandoSentinel.com, "Hurricane Harvey's toxic impact deeper than public told," 22 Mar. 2018
Initially, the company reported a half ton of phenol, which can burn skin and be potentially fatal, was spilled.

— CBS News, "Hurricane Harvey's toxic impact deeper than public told," 22 Mar. 2018
The observed barrels are falling apart, and the soil and groundwater around them tests high for related contaminants toluene, chlorobenzene, phenol and heavy metals, according to DEQ documents.

— keith matheny, Detroit Free Press, "At Detroit River site, DEQ continues to dig up old Chrysler plant's buried, polluted past," 22 Mar. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of phenol

International Scientific Vocabulary phen- + ³-ol

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1849

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

phenol

noun phe·nol \ ˈfē-ˌnōl , -ˌnȯl , fi-ˈ \

medical Definition of phenol

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