What is "cresol"

Cresol \Cre"sol\ (kr[=e]"s[=o]l), n. [From Creosote.] (Chem.) Any one of three metameric substances, CH3.C6H4.OH, homologous with and resembling phenol. They are obtained from coal tar and wood tar, and are colorless, oily liquids or solids.

Note: [Called also cresylic acid.]

n. (context chemistry English) Any of the three isomeric phenols derived from toluene: ortho-, meta- or para-methylphenol.

n. any of three poisonous colorless isomeric phenols; derived from coal or wood tar; used as a disinfectant [syn: methyl phenol]