What does "phenolphthalein" mean?
A white or yellowish-white crystalline compound C₂₀H₁₄O₄ used in medicine as a laxative and in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids.
Phenolphthalein
/ˌfiː.nɒlˈ(f)θa.liːn/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A white or yellowish-white crystalline compound C₂₀H₁₄O₄ used in medicine as a laxative and in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids.
- Grammar: phenolphthalein is listed as noun.
- Usage evidence: Phenolphthalein will turn fuchsia in the presence of a base with a pH of or above 10.0 and will remain colorless in the presence of a solution with a pH of or below 8.2.
How to use "phenolphthalein"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "phenolphthalein" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "phenolphthalein" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A white or yellowish-white crystalline compound C₂₀H₁₄O₄ used in medicine as a laxative and in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids. countable, uncountable
- 2 a laxative used in many preparations under various trade names; also used as an acid-base indicator in titrations involving weak acids and strong bases because it is brilliant red at high alkalinity and colorless below pH 8 wordnet
Example
"Phenolphthalein will turn fuchsia in the presence of a base with a pH of or above 10.0 and will remain colorless in the presence of a solution with a pH of or below 8.2."
Common questions
How do you use "phenolphthalein" in a sentence?
Phenolphthalein will turn fuchsia in the presence of a base with a pH of or above 10.0 and will remain colorless in the presence of a solution with a pH of or below 8.2.
How do you pronounce "phenolphthalein"?
Pronounced /ˌfiː.nɒlˈ(f)θa.liːn/.
Etymology
From phenol + phthalein.