cresol

[ kree-sawl, -sol ]
/ ˈkri sɔl, -sɒl /

noun

any of three isomeric compounds having the formula C7H8O, usually derived from coal tar and wood tar, and used chiefly as a disinfectant.
Also called cresylic acid, methyl phenol.
Compare tricresol.

Origin of cresol

1860–65; cres- (irregular from creosote) + -ol2

Example sentences from the Web for cresol

British Dictionary definitions for cresol

cresol
/ (ˈkriːsɒl) /

noun

an aromatic compound derived from phenol, existing in three isomeric forms: found in coal tar and creosote and used in making synthetic resins and as an antiseptic and disinfectant; hydroxytoluene. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CH 3)OH Also called: cresylic acid Systematic name: methylphenol

Medical definitions for cresol

cresol
[ krēsôl′, -sōl′ ]

n.

Any of three isomeric phenols used as a disinfectant.