phenol

  1. Noun.  (organic compound, uncountable) A caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant and antiseptic; once called carbolic acid.
  2. Noun.  (organic chemistry, countable) Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds having at least one hydroxyl group attached directly to the benzene ring.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.