phenol (n.)

"carbolic acid, hydroxyl derivative of benzene," 1844, from pheno- + -ol. Discovered in coal tar in 1834; used as an antiseptic from 1867. Related: Phenolic.

Entries linking to phenol

pheno-

before vowels phen-, word-forming element in science meaning "pertaining to or derived from benzene;" see -phene.

-ol

word-forming element in chemistry, variously representing alcohol, phenol, or in some cases Latin oleum "oil" (see oil (n.)).

acetaminophen (n.)

U.S. name for "para-acetylaminophenol," 1960, composed of syllables from the chemical name: acetyl, a derivative of acetic (q.v.; also see acetylene) + amino- + phenol. In Britain, the same substance is paracetamol.

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updated on May 17, 2020

Definitions of phenol from WordNet

phenol (n.)

any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups;

phenol (n.)

a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally;

Synonyms: carbolic acid / hydroxybenzene / oxybenzene / phenylic acid

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near phenol

Phenecian

phenetic

phenix

pheno-

phenobarbital

phenol

phenology

phenom

phenomena

phenomenal

phenomenalism