Carbolic acid

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    phenol (C₆H₅OH) dated, uncountable
  2. 2
    a toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally wordnet

Etymology

Partial calque of German Carbolsäure (modern German Karbolsäure), which was coined in 1834 by its discoverer Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: carbolicacid