phenol

3 synonyms for phenol, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A caustic, poisonous white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, once called carbolic acid and used in resins, plastics and pharmaceuticals, and in dilute form as a disinfectant.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

carbolic acid benzenol hydroxybenzene

How to use phenol

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

dilute phenol phenol solution phenol resin

Phenol is a technical chemistry term, though carbolic acid is still heard in older or informal contexts.

Etymology

The name comes from French phène, itself from the Ancient Greek word for to clear or to shine, because the substance from which phenol was first obtained was used for illumination. The chemist Auguste Laurent gave it the name in 1836.

Full origin of phenol →

Frequently asked questions

What is phenol used for?

It is used in making resins and plastics, in pharmaceuticals, and in dilute form as a disinfectant and antiseptic.

Is phenol the same as carbolic acid?

Yes, carbolic acid is an older name for the same compound, phenol.

Where does the name phenol come from?

It was coined in 1836 by the chemist Auguste Laurent, from a French word linked to an Ancient Greek term for clearing or shining, because of its early use in lighting.

Nearby words

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