Found 2 items, similar to phenol.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: phenol phenol n 1: any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups 2: a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally [syn: carbolic acid , hydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenylic acid]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Phenol Phenol \Phe"nol\, n. [Gr. ? to show + -ol: cf. F. ph['e]nol.] (Chem.) 1. A white or pinkish crystalline substance, C6H5OH, produced by the destructive distillation of many organic bodies, as wood, coal, etc., and obtained from the heavy oil from coal tar. [1913 Webster] Note: It has a peculiar odor, somewhat resembling creosote, which is a complex mixture of phenol derivatives. It is of the type of alcohols, and is called also phenyl alcohol , but has acid properties, and hence is popularly called carbolic acid, and was formerly called phenic acid. It is a powerful caustic poison, and in dilute solution has been used as an antiseptic. [1913 Webster] 2. Any one of the series of hydroxyl derivatives of which phenol proper is the type. [1913 Webster] Glacial phenol (Chem.), pure crystallized phenol or carbolic acid. Phenol acid (Chem.), any one of a series of compounds which are at once derivatives of both phenol and some member of the fatty acid series; thus, salicylic acid is a phenol acid. Phenol alcohol (Chem.), any one of series of derivatives of phenol and carbinol which have the properties of both combined; thus, saligenin is a phenol alcohol. Phenol aldehyde (Chem.), any one of a series of compounds having both phenol and aldehyde properties. Phenol phthalein. See under Phthalein. [1913 Webster]