carbolic, a. Chem.
(kɑːˈbɒlɪk)
[f. carb- + -ol, the ending of alcohol, benzol + -ic.]
In carbolic acid, a substance more systematically called phenol or phenyl alcohol, C6H5·OH, a secondary monatomic aromatic alcohol (consisting of benzol in which one atom of H is replaced by OH), found in the heavy coal oils, and elsewhere, forming, when pure, white deliquescent crystals, melting at 35° to an oily liquid, with penetrating odour and burning taste. It has powerful antiseptic qualities, and is much used as a disinfectant. Hence carbolic soap, etc. Also ellipt. for carbolic acid or soap.
| c 1865 Letheby in Circ. Sc. I. 118/2 The acid of creosote, or carbolic acid. 1865 Ld. Bury in Morn. Star. 6 Nov. Cowsheds were carefully cleansed and washed with gas-tar, carbolic acid, and water. 1872 Black Adv. Phaeton (Hoppe) My lady doubted the efficacy of carbolic soap. 1881 Lubbock in Nature 405 Some substance capable of killing the germs, without being itself too potent a caustic..Dilute carbolic acid fulfilled these conditions. 1884 Medical Uses Carbolic Acid (F.C. Calvert & Co.) 35 The Carbolic will be readily given off in vapour sufficient to fill an ordinary room. Ibid. 47, I used 1 pint of Carbolic to each room. 1907 M. C. Harris Tents of Wickedness i. iv. 58 The stone floors are so cold, and there is such a smell of carbolic. |