Phenol: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name comes from the Greek word 'phaino,' meaning 'to show,' and 'alcohol,' reflecting its relationship with organic compounds.
• First isolated from coal tar in the 19th century, it was originally called 'carbolic acid.'

Science

• Phenol is a key ingredient in making plastics and resins, essential for various industrial applications.
• It acts as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant, used in household cleaners and medical supplies.

Medicine

• Phenol has been used in the past as a pain-relief treatment in surgery because of its numbing properties.
• It is still found in some formulations for sore throat medications, providing relief through its antiseptic effects.

Environmental Impact

• Due to its strong properties, phenol can be harmful in large amounts, affecting water quality and ecosystems.
• Water pollution can occur from industrial discharge, prompting regulations to limit its release into nature.

Cultural References

• In popular culture, you might find references to 'phenol' in discussions around science and health topics in movies or documentaries.
• Famous scientist Joseph Lister used phenol in the late 1800s to reduce infections during surgeries, marking an important turn in medical practices.

Ranked #11,936, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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