thymol

noun

thy·​mol ˈthī-ˌmȯl How to pronounce thymol (audio) -ˌmōl How to pronounce thymol (audio)
: a crystalline phenol C10H14O of aromatic odor and antiseptic properties found especially in thyme oil or made synthetically and used chiefly as a fungicide and preservative

Examples of thymol in a Sentence

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Results showed that the different doses of the essential oil compounds significantly reduced the number of peptic ulcers in the rats, with thymol being the most potent compound. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 This is mainly because of thymol, which may boost metabolism, decrease appetite, improve digestion, and reduce acidity. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin thymum thyme

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thymol was in 1857

Rhymes for thymol

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Browse Nearby Words

thymocyte
thymol
thymosin
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Cite this Entry

“Thymol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thymol. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

thymol

noun
thy·​mol ˈthī-ˌmȯl How to pronounce thymol (audio) -ˌmōl How to pronounce thymol (audio)
: a crystalline phenol C10H14O of aromatic odor and antiseptic properties found especially in thyme oil or made synthetically and used chiefly as a fungicide and preservative

More from Merriam-Webster on thymol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thymol

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