phenolic

adjective phe·no·lic \ fi-ˈnō-lik , -ˈnä- \

Definition of phenolic

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

Recent Examples of phenolic from the Web

E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall The lobby wall is being renovated with phenolic panels, which were chosen to preserve the architectural significance of the building, while withstanding its unique environmental conditions.

— laura johnston, cleveland.com, "How are construction projects faring at University of Akron?," 9 Aug. 2017
Ardbeg peat, though, is much less phenolic and medicinal than Laphroaig, and while the spirit remains quite powerful, this subtlety enables other characteristics of Ardbeg to shine through, particularly the wood used for maturation.

— jim brucker, chicagotribune.com, "A taste of Russian wood in a new scotch from Ardbeg," 20 June 2017
To achieve these marks, producers must work with vineyards cool enough to restrain the ripening sequence, so the grapes achieve some phenolic maturity before the sugar levels peak.

— patrick comiskey, latimes.com, "Three great cool-climate California Syrahs for late spring drinking," 26 May 2017
Using a portable FTIR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), which determines the organic bonding and compounds within a particular material, the team discovered silica and a phenolic resin component.

— matt blitz, Popular Mechanics, "The Plan to Save the Most Important Piece of the Space Race," 24 Feb. 2017

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

First Known Use of phenolic

circa 1872

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

phenolic

noun

Definition of phenolic

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 2

Recent Examples of phenolic from the Web

Some research is investigating coconut oil’s possible connection to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, and VCO does provide phenolic antioxidants, which have been tied to health benefits, including anti-aging.

— Health.com, "Everything You've Ever Wondered About Coconut Oil, Explained," 2 Apr. 2018
Discharges included suspended solids and phenolics, which also impacted dissolved oxygen.

— frank kummer, Philly.com, "Pa. second in U.S. for excessive industry discharges into waterways, says report," 27 Mar. 2018
Peeling the apple may remove important phenolics, as the skin contains significantly more than the flesh.

— jaclyn london, ms, rd, Good Housekeeping, "Why Apples Are One of the Best Fruits You Can Possibly Eat," 23 Mar. 2018
Blend: 55 percent cabernet franc, 34 percent merlot, 8 percent malbec, 3 percent cabernet sauvignon Judges’ Comments >> Good balance if a bit light … lots of cherry and other fruit that lingers … phenolics are under-ripe, lots of new oak … pound it!

— paul hodgins, Orange County Register, "Is this $290 cabernet franc worth it?," 2 June 2017
When peat is used as the fossil fuel to dry malted barley, the resulting whisky is infused with phenolic smoke.

— jim brucker, chicagotribune.com, "A taste of Russian wood in a new scotch from Ardbeg," 20 June 2017
When red wines are iced, the same phenolic compounds that supply their color and flavor (and their antioxidant properties) leave an off-putting sandpapery sensation in the mouth.

— marnie old, Philly.com, "Great Wine Values: Crios Rosé of Malbec," 14 June 2017

First Known Use of phenolic

1926

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

phenolic

adjective phe·no·lic \ fi-ˈnō-lik, -ˈnäl-ik \

medical Definition of phenolic

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phenol; also : containing or derived from a phenol

phenolic

noun

medical Definition of phenolic

: phenol 2

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up phenolic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

phenolic

Definition of phenolic

Recent Examples of phenolic from the Web

First Known Use of phenolic

phenolic

Definition of phenolic

Recent Examples of phenolic from the Web

First Known Use of phenolic

Medical Dictionary

phenolic

medical Definition of phenolic

phenolic

medical Definition of phenolic

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Centuries and How to Refer to Them

If the Shoe Fits

On the Disruption of 'Disrupt'

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Name More Food!

Name That Thing

SCRABBLE® Sprint

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word

phenolic

Definition of phenolic

Recent Examples of phenolic from the Web

First Known Use of phenolic

phenolic

Definition of phenolic

Recent Examples of phenolic from the Web

First Known Use of phenolic

Medical Dictionary

phenolic

medical Definition of phenolic

phenolic

medical Definition of phenolic

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Creep': A Skin-Crawling History

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word