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Noun: phenol  'fee,nówl [N. Amer], 'fee,nól [Brit]
  1. Any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups
     
  2. A toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally
    - carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenylic acid, carbolic

Derived forms: phenols

Type of: acid, dissolvent, dissolver, dissolving agent, organic compound, resolvent, solvent

Encyclopedia: Phenol