phenolic

1 of 2

adjective

phe·​no·​lic fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnä- 

1

a

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phenol

b

: containing or derived from a phenol

2

: of, relating to, or being a phenolic

phenolic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a usually thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used especially for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives

called also phenolic resin

2

: phenol sense 2

Examples of phenolic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Dill One study found that cooled dill has more phenolic acids (antioxidants) when it's stored and cooled in the fridge over the course of 15 days. —Laura Schober, Health, 16 June 2025

Compared to most other types of fruit, prunes are especially rich in phenolic compounds—antioxidants that may enhance the laxative effects of fiber and sorbitol. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 24 June 2025

Noun

Non-peroxide activity refers to antimicrobial effects not caused by hydrogen peroxide but due, instead, to other bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids. —New Atlas, 29 June 2025

However, there are wineries out there who are taking care of the aging for you, only releasing their wines after flavors have integrated, tannins have softened and phenolics are in balance. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phenolic

• bucolic
• carbolic
• embolic
• glycolic
• hydraulic
• podzolic
• symbolic
• systolic
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic

Medical Definition

phenolic

1 of 2 adjective

phe·​no·​lic

fi-ˈnō-lik, -ˈnäl-ik

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phenol

also : containing or derived from a phenol

phenolic

2 of 2 noun

: phenol sense 2