propylene glycol


noun Chemistry.

a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid, C3H8O, used chiefly as a lubricant, as an antifreeze, as a heat transfer fluid, and as a solvent for fats, oils, waxes, and resins.

Origin of propylene glycol

First recorded in 1880–85

British Dictionary definitions for propylene glycol

propylene glycol

noun

a colourless viscous hydroscopic sweet-tasting compound used as an antifreeze and brake fluid. Formula: CH 3 CH(OH)CH 2 OH Systematic name: 1,2-dihydroxypropane

Scientific definitions for propylene glycol

propylene glycol

A colorless, viscous liquid used in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Unlike ethylene glycol, it is not toxic and is also used in foods, cosmetics, and oral hygiene products. Chemical formula: C3H8O2.