1
: any of various compounds having the general formula RSH which are analogous to alcohols but in which sulfur replaces the oxygen of the hydroxyl group and which have disagreeable odors
2
: the functional group −SH characteristic of thiols
Examples of thiol in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To strengthen their glue, mussels use two chemical groups, called catechols and thiols, which cross-link like the hooks and loops of Velcro.
—
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025
For those who aren’t beer nerds, thiols are compounds in hops that are very aromatic.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2024
One example is the enzyme carbon-sulfur-lyase, which takes flavorless molecules present in malt and hops and frees flavorful components called thiols that in beer taste like tropical fruit.
—Anna Kramer, WIRED, 18 July 2023
The skunk bath recipe works by oxidizing the thiols into compounds called disulfides, which are not so smelly.
—Janine M. Kahn, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2017
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Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025
For those who aren’t beer nerds, thiols are compounds in hops that are very aromatic.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2024
One example is the enzyme carbon-sulfur-lyase, which takes flavorless molecules present in malt and hops and frees flavorful components called thiols that in beer taste like tropical fruit.
—Anna Kramer, WIRED, 18 July 2023
The skunk bath recipe works by oxidizing the thiols into compounds called disulfides, which are not so smelly.
—Janine M. Kahn, Good Housekeeping, 10 July 2017
Cite this Entry
“Thiol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thiol. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
1
: any of a class of compounds that are analogous to alcohols and phenols but contain sulfur in place of oxygen with the general formula RSH and in the case of those of low molecular weight have very disagreeable odors
called also mercaptan
2
: the functional group −SH characteristic of thiols
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