ˈäktəˌnȯl, -nōl noun
( -s )
Etymology: octane + -ol
: any of four liquid alcohols C 8 H 17 OH derived from normal octane: as
a. : the primary alcohol CH 3 (CH 2 ) 6 CH 2 OH having a penetrating odor, occurring free or in the form of esters in oils from plant seeds and fruits, and used chiefly in organic synthesis and in perfumes — called also 1-octanol, n-octyl alcohol
b. : a viscous oily secondary alcohol CH 3 (CH 2 ) 5 CH(OH)CH 3 having an aromatic odor, made by heating the sodium soap of castor oil, and used chiefly as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and in perfumes — called also 2-octanol