phenol

noun

phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl 

-ˌnȯl;

fi-ˈnōl, 

-ˈnȯl 

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

Examples of phenol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is due to plant compounds called phenols found in the avocado flesh. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026

This week in 1865, Joseph Lister became the first surgeon to perform an antiseptic operation with liberal use of carbolic acid (phenol) as a disinfectant. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026

When smoke lingers over a grape in that state, the volatile phenols will bind with the sugars in the grape skins, giving the fruit a smoky, sanguine, ashy taste. — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026

Young grapes lack sugars that would otherwise bind with bitter-tasting phenols in wildfire smoke. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary phen- + -ol entry 3

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing phenol

• phenol red

Rhymes for phenol

• allopurinol
• dinitrophenol
• eugenol
• nitrophenol
• polyphenol
• pentachlorophenol

Kids Definition

phenol

noun

phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl  -ˌnȯl 

fi-ˈnōl, 

-ˈnȯl

: a white poisonous acidic compound present in tars from coal and wood that when dissolved to make a weak liquid mixture is used as a disinfectant

phenolic

fi-ˈnō-lik, 

-ˈnäl-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

phenol

noun

phe·​nol ˈfē-ˌnōl  -ˌnȯl 

fi-ˈ

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