thymol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thymol” mean?
A colorless crystalline compound with a strong aromatic odour, derived from thyme oil or other essential oils, used as an antiseptic and fungicide.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colorless crystalline compound with a strong aromatic odour, derived from thyme oil or other essential oils, used as an antiseptic and fungicide.
A phenolic derivative (C10H14O) used in medicine, dentistry, and as a preservative in laboratory and pharmaceutical preparations. Also known as 'thyme camphor'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling identical. Pronunciation differs minimally (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. No cultural or connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “thymol” in a Sentence
N + of + thymol (e.g., 'a solution of thymol')thymol + is + used + as + N (e.g., 'thymol is used as an antiseptic')thymol + derived + from + N (e.g., 'thymol derived from thyme oil')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in pharmaceutical manufacturing or chemical supply catalogues.
Academic
Common in chemistry, pharmacology, dentistry, and microbiology research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in specific technical contexts (e.g., 'thymol blue is a pH indicator', 'thymol in mouthwash').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thymol”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thymol”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈθɪ.məl/ (as in 'thimble') is incorrect. Stress is on the first syllable.
- Misspelling: 'thimol', 'thymole', 'thymol' is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In very low, controlled concentrations, it is used in some oral care products. Pure thymol is toxic and corrosive and must be handled with care.
It occurs naturally in the essential oil of thyme (Thymus vulgaris), as well as in oregano and some other plants.
It has a strong, medicinal, aromatic odour very similar to thyme and typical phenolic disinfectants.
Rarely. Its use is almost exclusively in technical, laboratory, medical, or niche pharmaceutical contexts. It is not a common household chemical.
A colorless crystalline compound with a strong aromatic odour, derived from thyme oil or other essential oils, used as an antiseptic and fungicide.
Thymol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thymol: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθaɪ.mɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθaɪ.mɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of THYME (the herb) + OL (like in 'alcohol' or 'phenol'). It's the 'ol' from thyme.
Practice
Quiz
Thymol is primarily associated with which field?