from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Phenyl \Phe"nyl\, n. [Gr. fai`nein to bring to light + -yl: cf.
F. ph['e]nyle. So called because it is a by-product of
illuminating gas.] (Chem.)
A hydrocarbon radical ({C6H5}) regarded as the essential
residue of benzene, and the basis of an immense number of
aromatic derivatives.
[1913 Webster]
{Phenyl hydrate} (Chem.), phenol or carbolic acid.
{Phenyl hydrazine} (Chem.), a nitrogenous base
({C6H5.NH.NH2}) produced artificially as a colorless oil
which unites with acids, ketones, etc., to form easily
crystallized compounds. It is used in organic chemistry,
particulary to isolate compounds in pure form for
analysis.
[1913 Webster + PJC]