noun

phenol

FEE-nol

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Phenol (noun) means 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. Example: “The surgeon used dilute phenol as an antiseptic.”

noun

chemistry 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.

"The surgeon used dilute phenol as an antiseptic."

"Phenol is a raw material in the manufacture of certain plastics and resins."

"Concentrated phenol can burn the skin on contact."

chemistry Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds with at least one hydroxyl group attached directly to a benzene ring.

"Several plant pigments are classed as phenols."

"The lab tested the sample for a range of phenols."

"Some antioxidants found in food are naturally occurring phenols."

How to use phenol

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical compound, once known as carbolic acid, used in disinfectants, plastics and medicines.

When to use it

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

Memory tip

Do not mix up phenol, the compound, with phenyl, which names a related group of atoms in a molecule.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

phenyl

Common pairings

dilute phenol phenol solution phenol resin

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The surgeon used dilute _____ as an antiseptic.

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.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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carbolic acid benzenol hydroxybenzene

Rhymes for phenol

Tylenol

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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.

What is the meaning of phenol?

"phenol" (noun) means 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.