phenol

(fē′nōl″)

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.


1. C6H5OH; a crystalline colorless or light pink solid, melting at 109°F (43°C), obtained from the distillation of coal tar. It has a characteristic odor and is dangerous because of its rapid corrosive action on tissues.

PATIENT CARE
Buffered solutions of phenol are used as skin peels to treat sun-damaged skin.
SYN: SEE: carbolic acid

2. Any of the aromatic derivatives of benzene with one or more hydroxyl groups attached.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.