/al"dawl, -dol/ , n. Chem.
1. Also called acetaldol . a colorless, syrupy, water-soluble liquid, C 4 H 8 O 2 , formed by the condensation of acetaldehyde: used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber vulcanizers and accelerators, and in perfumery.
2. any of a class of compounds containing both an alcohol and an aldehyde functional group, formed by a condensation reaction between aldehyde or ketone molecules.
[ 1870-75; ALD(EHYDE) + -OL ]