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phenol (n.)

"carbolic acid, hydroxyl derivative of benzene," 1844, from pheno- + -ol. Discovered in coal tar in 1834; used as an antiseptic from 1867. Related: Phenolic.

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Definitions of phenol from WordNet

phenol (n.)
any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups;
phenol (n.)
a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally;
Synonyms: carbolic acid / hydroxybenzene / oxybenzene / phenylic acid
From wordnet.princeton.edu