menthol

[ men-thawl, -thol ]

noun
  1. Also called hexahydrothymol, peppermint camphor. Chemistry, Pharmacology. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble alcohol, C10H20O, 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.

  2. a mentholated cigarette.

adjective
  1. containing menthol; mentholated.

Origin of menthol

1
1875–80; <New Latin Menth(a) (see mint1) + -ol1

Words Nearby menthol

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British Dictionary definitions for menthol

menthol

/ (ˈmɛnθɒl) /


noun
  1. 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

Origin of menthol

1
C19: from German, from Latin mentha mint 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for menthol

menthol

[ mĕnthôl′ ]


  1. A white, crystalline compound obtained from peppermint oil. It is used as a flavoring and as a mild anesthetic. Chemical formula: C10H20O.

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