thymol

noun

: a crystalline phenol C10H14O of aromatic odor and antiseptic properties found especially in thyme oil or made synthetically and used chiefly as a fungicide and preservative

Examples of thymol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thyme Thyme is a potent herb known for its high thymol content, a compound with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.5 Thyme is packed with other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026 Eco-Safe uses a hospital-grade sanitizer to ensure cleanliness; the brand also offers a natural alternative that’s made of thymol. Julianna Chen, Dallas Morning News, 10 Mar. 2026 The presence of the virus in the mouth or saliva will trigger this reaction, release thymol (a flavor compound) and produce a strong taste. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Once an individual tastes thymol, the idea is that measures regarding isolation and further confirmation can be taken by anyone as soon as possible. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 In tests conducted so far, the sensor has successfully released thymol within 30 minutes of being placed in vials of saliva obtained from people infected with influenza. New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin thymum thyme

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thymol was in 1857

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thymol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thymol. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

thymol

noun
: a crystalline phenol C10H14O of aromatic odor and antiseptic properties found especially in thyme oil or made synthetically and used chiefly as a fungicide and preservative

More from Merriam-Webster on thymol

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster