cinnamic alcohol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist/Very Rare)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cinnamic alcohol” mean?
An organic compound, specifically a phenylpropanoid, with the formula C₆H₅-CH=CH-CH₂OH, used as a fragrance ingredient due to its floral, balsamic odour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic compound, specifically a phenylpropanoid, with the formula C₆H₅-CH=CH-CH₂OH, used as a fragrance ingredient due to its floral, balsamic odour.
A naturally occurring substance found in some plants, such as storax and cinnamon leaves, or synthetically produced for use in perfumery, cosmetics, and as a flavouring agent. It is known chemically as 3-phenyl-2-propen-1-ol.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. The compound name is standardised internationally.
Connotations
None beyond the technical/scientific context.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to chemistry, perfumery, and cosmetic science texts.
Grammar
How to Use “cinnamic alcohol” in a Sentence
The [product/formula/perfume] contains cinnamic alcohol.Cinnamic alcohol is [derived from/synthesised as/prepared from] [styrax/cinnamaldehyde].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cinnamic alcohol” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cinnamic alcohol derivative was less volatile.
- A cinnamic alcohol solution was prepared.
American English
- The cinnamic alcohol compound was tested.
- A cinnamic alcohol concentration was measured.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in supply chain discussions for fragrance and cosmetic raw materials.
Academic
Common in organic chemistry, phytochemistry, and cosmetic science research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in perfume formulation, cosmetic ingredient lists (INCI), and chemical manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cinnamic alcohol”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cinnamic alcohol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cinnamic alcohol”
- Misspelling as 'cinamic alcohol' or 'cinnamical alcohol'.
- Confusing it with 'cinnamic acid' (its oxidised form).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a cinnamic alcohol').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. It occurs naturally in plants like storax but is also commonly synthesised for industrial use.
In regulated concentrations, it is safe for use in cosmetics and fragrances. However, it is a known potential allergen for some individuals.
It has a sweet, floral, balsamic, and slightly spicy odour, reminiscent of hyacinths or cinnamon.
Yes, it is used as a flavouring agent in some foods and beverages, though its use is less common than in perfumery.
An organic compound, specifically a phenylpropanoid, with the formula C₆H₅-CH=CH-CH₂OH, used as a fragrance ingredient due to its floral, balsamic odour.
Cinnamic alcohol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cinnamic alcohol: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˌnæmɪk ˈælkəhɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˌnæmɪk ˈælkəhɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CINNAmon' scent + 'ALCOHOL' compound = Cinnamic Alcohol, the fragrant alcohol from cinnamon relatives.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable; a literal, technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary use of cinnamic alcohol?