menthol Chem.
(ˈmɛnθəl)
[a. G. menthol (Oppenheim 1861, in Ann. der Chem. u. Pharm. CXX. 352), f. L. mentha mint: see -ol.]
A crystalline camphor-like substance obtained by cooling various mint-oils, esp. oil of peppermint. menthol cigarette: a cigarette flavoured with menthol. menthol cone or menthol pencil: an appliance for the relief of facial neuralgia, consisting of a conical piece of mixed menthol and spermaceti, which is rubbed on the part affected.
| 1876 Harley Mat. Med. 473 Oil of Peppermint deposits hexagonal crystals of menthol or peppermint camphor. 1888 Pall Mall G. 30 June 5/1 Menthol cones. 1889 Ibid. 5 July 2/1 Menthol and pyrine are sometimes useful for headaches. 1891 F. P. Foster Med. Dict. III. 2281 Menthol Pencil. 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. IV. 860 Locally a menthol spray may be used. 1952 M. Tripp Faith is Windsock i. 10 He threw a packet of American menthol cigarettes across the hut. 1962 L. Deighton Ipcress File xx. 131 She offered me one of those menthol cigarettes that taste like paint remover. 1969 O. Hesky Sequin Syndicate xi. 114 She..might have been an advertisement for some brand of menthol cigarette. |