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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
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Recent Examples of phenol from the Web
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Davis says that the more complex part of the barrel aging process is esterification, which is when alcohol and phenol or weak acids bond together.
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
Medical Dictionary
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
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phenol
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