glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈgli-sə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio) -ˌrōl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C3H8O3 usually obtained by the saponification of fats

Examples of glycerol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following the results, the ADC has urged children under age 8 to avoid drinking ice drinks containing glycerol. — Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 From this constellation of symptoms, the researchers determined that the children had glycerol intoxication syndrome (GIS). — New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025 A little glycerol on the palate—that, along with the tart red fruits makes this an attractive partner with the notoriously hard to pair cranberry sauce. — Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 When the glycerol is mixed with nitric and sulfuric acid the result is explosive nitroglycerin. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for glycerol

Word History

Etymology

glycerin + -ol

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glycerol was in 1880

Rhymes for glycerol

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Browse Nearby Words

glycerol
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Cite this Entry

“Glycerol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycerol. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

glycerol

noun
glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
-ˌrōl
: a sweet colorless syrupy alcohol usually obtained from fats and oils

Medical Definition

glycerol

noun
glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio) -ˌrōl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C3H8O3 usually obtained by the saponification of fats and used especially as a solvent and plasticizer, as a moistening agent, emollient, and lubricant, and as an emulsifying agent

called also glycerin

More from Merriam-Webster on glycerol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glycerol

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