resorcinol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “resorcinol” mean?
A colourless crystalline organic compound used in resins, dyes, antiseptics, and pharmaceuticals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colourless crystalline organic compound used in resins, dyes, antiseptics, and pharmaceuticals.
Primarily a chemical term (meta-dihydroxybenzene, C₆H₆O₂) used as a disinfectant, antifungal agent, and intermediate in industrial chemical synthesis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “resorcinol” in a Sentence
N as a/the [adj] agentN is used in [noun phrase]N-containing [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resorcinol” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The resorcinol-based adhesive proved highly water-resistant.
American English
- The resorcinol-based adhesive was highly water-resistant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only in the chemical supply or pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.
Academic
Used in chemistry, pharmacology, and materials science research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson might encounter it as an ingredient listed on a medical cream.
Technical
Standard term in chemical synthesis, resin formulation, and some topical dermatological treatments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resorcinol”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resorcinol”
- Mispronunciation as 'ree-sor-sin-ol' or 're-zor-kin-ol'.
- Misspelling as 'resorcinole' or 'resorsinol'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In pure form, it can be an irritant and toxic if ingested or absorbed in large quantities. It is used safely in diluted forms in prescribed medications.
On the ingredient list of some acne treatments, antiseptic ointments, or chemical product safety data sheets.
They are different names for the same chemical compound; 'resorcinol' is the more systematic and commonly used term.
Almost certainly not. It is a highly specialised technical term with no everyday analogue.
A colourless crystalline organic compound used in resins, dyes, antiseptics, and pharmaceuticals.
Resorcinol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Resorcinol: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈzɔːsɪnɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /rəˈzɔːrsɪnɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REsorcinol is a RESin OR a medical skIN sOLution.'
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'resorcinol' most commonly used?