from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Phenol \Phe"nol\ (f[=e]"n[=o]l; 277), n. [Gr. fai`nein to show +
-ol: cf. F. ph['e]nol.] (Chem.)
1. A white or pinkish crystalline substance, {C6H5OH},
produced by the destructive distillation of many organic
bodies, as wood, coal, etc., and obtained from the heavy
oil from coal tar.
[1913 Webster]
Note: It has a peculiar odor, somewhat resembling creosote,
which is a complex mixture of phenol derivatives. It is
of the type of alcohols, and is called also {phenyl
alcohol}, but has acid properties, and hence is
popularly called {carbolic acid}, and was formerly
called {phenic acid}. It is a powerful caustic poison,
and in dilute solution has been used as an antiseptic.
[1913 Webster]
2. Any one of the series of hydroxyl derivatives of which
phenol proper is the type.
[1913 Webster]
{Glacial phenol} (Chem.), pure crystallized phenol or
carbolic acid.
{Phenol acid} (Chem.), any one of a series of compounds which
are at once a derivative of phenol and an organic acid;
thus, {salicylic acid} is a phenol acid.
{Phenol alcohol} (Chem.), any one of series of derivatives of
phenol and carbinol which have the properties of both
combined; thus, {saligenin} is a phenol alcohol.
{Phenol aldehyde} (Chem.), any one of a series of compounds
having both phenol and aldehyde properties.
{Phenol phthalein}. See {phenolphthalein}.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Phenolphthalein \Phe`nol*phthal"e*in\, or Phenol phthalein
\Phenol phthalein\, n. (Chem.)
A white or yellowish white crystalline substance, {C20H14O4},
formed by condensation of the anhydride of phthalic acid and
phenol. Its solution in alkalies is brilliant red, but is
decolorized by acids. This reaction, being very delicate, is
used as a pH indicator. It is sometimes used as a laxative in
veterinary medicine.
[Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]