ˈalˌdȯl, -ōl noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary ald- + -ol; originally formed in French
1. : a colorless liquid CH 3 CH(OH)CH 2 CHO obtained by condensation of two molecules of acetaldehyde and used in organic synthesis and in denaturing alcohol; β-hydroxy-butyraldehyde — called also acetaldol
2. : any of a class of beta-hydroxy aldehydes typified by acetaldol