Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Phenol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚗️
Add to dictionary

phenol

[ˈfiː.nɒl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

Phenol is a colorless or white crystalline solid with a distinct medicinal smell. It is an aromatic compound and serves as a precursor to many industrial chemicals. Phenol is used in the production of plastics, resins, and other materials. It also has antiseptic properties and can be found in some household disinfectants. Due to its toxic nature, handling phenol requires careful safety precautions.

Synonyms

carbolic acid, hydroxybenzene, phenic acid.

Examples of usage

  • Phenol is used in the synthesis of Bakelite.
  • The antiseptic solution contained phenol.
  • Chemists often use phenol in their experiments.
  • An excess of phenol can be harmful to health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'phenol'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.'

The word 'phenol' originates from the Greek word 'phaino', which means 'to show' or 'to appear', reflecting its status as a visible, identifiable compound. The term was first coined in the early 19th century as chemists began isolating compounds from coal tar. Phenol was identified as one of the key components during this research. In the late 1830s, it was first synthesized by the German chemist Auguste Laurent, who referred to it as 'carbolic acid'. The name 'phenol' became widely adopted in the late 19th century after the compound's chemical structure was better understood. It was further studied for its antiseptic properties by Joseph Lister in the 1860s, leading to its use in surgical practices. Since then, phenol has become a staple in various industrial applications, greatly influencing the chemical manufacturing landscape.

Word Frequency Rank

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