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 Medium bodied and a little glycerol on the palate, this is a little more structured to go with food, but uncomplicated enough for a simple quaff. Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Formulated with a blend of glycerol rosinate wax, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, the wax strips are designed with vegan ingredients that gently yet effectively lift hair away from the skin, leaving behind a smooth and soft surface. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 15 Jan. 2024 It’s also known that woolly worm caterpillars accumulate large quantities of glycerol, a substance similar to antifreeze. Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Oct. 2023 Produced by bacteria, branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers can be used to identify historic temperatures. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 24 Mar. 2022 Another product called Belotero Revive from Merz, a German company, adds glycerol to a hyaluronic acid base to help treat hyperpigmentation. Alice Hart-Davis, ELLE, 20 Apr. 2023 Although rare to find, cerebral tissues found in archaeological discoveries have saponified, the process by which triglycerides turn into glycerol and fatty acid salts, or soap. Chris Ciaccia, Fox News, 7 Oct. 2020 Sodium and glycerol allow the body to hold more water for a short time, reducing the threat of dehydration. Amby Burfoot, Outside Online, 18 Sep. 2019 Kartey’s approach, which uses heat and environmentally-friendly solvents such as glycerol, converts lignocellulose into a liquid that contains glucose, a food sweetener, and acetic acid, the main ingredient in vinegar. Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'glycerol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near glycerol

Cite this Entry

“Glycerol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycerol. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

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