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

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties Manuka honey contains higher—or more active—levels of several key compounds, including flavonoids, methylglyoxal (MGO), hydrogen peroxide, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and enzymes. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026

Wheat bran is primarily insoluble fiber with a little protein, fat and phenolic compounds. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Noun

These compounds—including flavonoids and phenolic aldehydes—are especially abundant in the peels, stems, and leaves. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026

What’s more, because the skin is eaten, research from way back in 2015 found that the smaller fruit has 10 times more phenolics, 13 times more flavonoids and 10 times more vitamin C than the inside flesh. —New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2026

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