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
Three out of the four species can break down phenol, an antifungal compound that conservators used to treat the mummy in 1991.
—
ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
Scientists found that some yeast species capable of breaking down phenol, a chemical used to disinfect the mummy after its discovery, have increased over time despite the freezing temperatures.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Species that were able to digest phenol, a chemical used to disinfect the Iceman, have grown—despite the below-freezing temperatures that Ötzi is kept in.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
The antioxidants in dandelion greens, such as phenols, have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
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ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026
Scientists found that some yeast species capable of breaking down phenol, a chemical used to disinfect the mummy after its discovery, have increased over time despite the freezing temperatures.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Species that were able to digest phenol, a chemical used to disinfect the Iceman, have grown—despite the below-freezing temperatures that Ötzi is kept in.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
The antioxidants in dandelion greens, such as phenols, have been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phenol
Cite this Entry
“Phenol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenol. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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Medical Definition
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
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