Note: It has a peculiar odor, somewhat resembling creosote,
which is a complex mixture of phenol derivatives. It is
of the type of alcohols, and is called also {phenyl
alcohol}, but has acid properties, and hence is
popularly called {carbolic acid}, and was formerly
called {phenic acid}. It is a powerful caustic poison,
and in dilute solution has been used as an antiseptic.
2. Any one of the series of hydroxyl derivatives of which
phenol proper is the type.
{Glacial phenol} (Chem.), pure crystallized phenol or
carbolic acid.
{Phenol acid} (Chem.), any one of a series of compounds which
are at once derivatives of both phenol and some member of
the fatty acid series; thus, salicylic acid is a phenol
acid.