n.
Pronunciation: ˌ f ē -n ə l- ' tha-l ē - ə n, - ' tha- ˌ l ē n, - ' th ā -
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary phenol + phthalein any of various xanthene dyes, from phthalic acid
Date: 1875
: a white or yellowish-white crystalline compound C 20 H 14 O 4 used in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids and in medicine as a laxative