(n)a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally, Syn.hydroxybenzene, phenol, phenylic acid, oxybenzene
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
a. [ L. carbo coal + oleum oil. ] (Chem.) Pertaining to, or designating, an acid derived from coal tar and other sources; as, carbolic acid (called also phenic acid, and phenol{ 1 }). See Phenol. [ 1913 Webster ]