[phe.no.lic] adj (1872) 1 a: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a phenol b: containing or derived from a phenol
2: of, relating to, or being a phenolic
[2]phenolic n (1924): a usu. thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used esp. for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives--called also phenolic resin