1
: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C6H5OH present in the tars of coal and wood that in dilute solution is used as a disinfectant
2
: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons
Examples of phenol in a Sentence
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Plastics can also contain chemicals such as phenols and phthalates that have been linked to health problems such as pregnancy issues and neurodevelopmental concerns, said Deziel, who is also the co-director of the Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Research indicates that higher concentrations of phenols may provide optimal antioxidant effects.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
In Latest Survey The Bakelite Breakthrough A fireproof, shatterproof and waterproof material that can be molded into any form, Bakelite was invented in Yonkers, New York in 1907 by chemist Leo Baekeland, who combined phenol and formaldehyde to create it.
—Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Improves Skin Appearance Goji berries provide powerful antioxidants, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenols.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 28 July 2025
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Research indicates that higher concentrations of phenols may provide optimal antioxidant effects.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
In Latest Survey The Bakelite Breakthrough A fireproof, shatterproof and waterproof material that can be molded into any form, Bakelite was invented in Yonkers, New York in 1907 by chemist Leo Baekeland, who combined phenol and formaldehyde to create it.
—Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Improves Skin Appearance Goji berries provide powerful antioxidants, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenols.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phenol
Cite this Entry
“Phenol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenol. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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Medical Definition
1
: a corrosive poisonous crystalline acidic compound C6H5OH present in coal tar and wood tar that is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals (as aspirin) and as a topical anesthetic in dilute solution
called also carbolic, carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene
2
: any of various acidic compounds analogous to phenol and regarded as hydroxyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons
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