phenolphthalein

[ fee-nawl-thal-een, -ee-in, -fthal-, -nol- ]
/ ˌfi nɔlˈθæl in, -i ɪn, -ˈfθæl-, -nɒl- /

noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.

a white, crystalline compound, C20H14O4, used as an indicator in acid-base titration and as a laxative.

Origin of phenolphthalein

First recorded in 1870–75; phenol + phthalein

Example sentences from the Web for phenolphthalein

British Dictionary definitions for phenolphthalein

phenolphthalein
/ (ˌfiːnɒlˈθeɪliːn, -lɪɪn, -ˈθæl-) /

noun

a colourless crystalline compound used in medicine as a laxative and in chemistry as an indicator. Formula: C 20 H 14 O 4

Medical definitions for phenolphthalein

phenolphthalein
[ fē′nōl-thălēn′, -thălē-ĭn, -thālēn′, -thālē-ĭn ]

n.

A white or pale yellow crystalline powder that is used as an acid-base indicator and a laxative.

Scientific definitions for phenolphthalein

phenolphthalein
[ fē′nōl-thălēn′ ]

A white or pale-yellow, crystalline powder used as an indicator for acid and basic solutions. In solutions that are either neutral or basic, it is colorless, while it is pink or red in solutions that are alkali. It is also used as a laxative and in making dyes. Chemical formula: C20H14O4.