menthol

[ men-thawl, -thol ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Also called hexahydrothymol, peppermint camphor. Chemistry, Pharmacology. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble alcohol, C 1 0 H 2 0 O, obtained from peppermint oil or synthesized: used chiefly in perfumes, confections, cigarettes, and liqueurs and in medicine for colds and nasal disorders for its cooling effect on mucous membranes.
a mentholated cigarette.

menthol

/ ˈmɛnθɒl /

an optically active organic compound found in peppermint oil and used as an antiseptic, in inhalants, and as an analgesic. Formula: C 10 H 20 O

menthol

/ mĕn′thôl′ /

A white, crystalline compound obtained from peppermint oil. It is used as a flavoring and as a mild anesthetic. Chemical formula: C 10 H 20 O.

Origin of menthol¹

1875–80; < New Latin Menth ( a ) ( mint ¹ ) + -ol ¹

Origin of menthol¹

C19: from German, from Latin mentha mint ¹

Menthol is used in medicine to relieve pain, as in rheumatism, neuralgia, throat affections and toothache.

Evidently this imposingly named product is practically a lanolin ointment containing oil of wintergreen and menthol.

According to the statements of the manufacturers, Bengus Analgesic Balm contains menthol, salicylate of methyl and lanolin.

With a view to narcotizing them while in this condition, menthol was applied to the water but did not seem to have much effect.

Emmie was to keep menthol in it, Ethan said, and to sniff the aromatic remedy through the open-work inner lid of gold.

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