ˈkrēˌsōl, -ˌsȯl noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary cres- (irregular from creosote ) + -ol; probably originally formed as German kresol
1. : any of three poisonous colorless crystalline or liquid isomeric phenols CH 3 C 6 H 4 OH distinguished as ortho -cresol, meta -cresol, and para -cresol, obtained usually from coal tar, and used chiefly as disinfectants, in making phenolic resins and plasticizers, and in organic synthesis; methyl-phenol
2. : a mixture of isomeric cresols obtained from coal tar