an aromatic compound derived from phenol, existing in three isomeric forms: found in coal tar and creosote and used in making synthetic resins and as an antiseptic and disinfectant; hydroxytoluene. Formula: C6H4(CH3)OH
Also called: cresylic acid. Systematic name: methylphenol
cresol in American English
(ˈkriˌsɔl; ˈkriˌsoʊl)
noun
any of three isomeric, colorless, oily liquids or solids with the formula CH3C6H4OH, prepared by the fractional distillation of coal tar and used in the preparation of disinfectants, fumigating compounds, and dyestuffs