aldol

noun

al·​dol ˈal-ˌdȯl How to pronounce aldol (audio)
-ˌdōl
: a colorless beta-hydroxy aldehyde C4H8O2 used especially in organic synthesis
broadly : any of various similar aldehydes
aldolization noun

Examples of aldol 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.
Most of these reactions have never before seen in nature, and moderate to good enantioselectivities in aldol and Mannich reactions were obtained with this earthworm catalyst. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2014 Heating a ginger rhizome causes gingerol to undergo a reverse aldol reaction, transforming it to zingerone, a molecule that is completely absent in fresh ginger. Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2014

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary aldehyde + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aldol was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near aldol

Cite this Entry

“Aldol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aldol. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

aldol

noun
: a colorless beta-hydroxy aldehyde C4H8O2
broadly : any of various similar aldehydes

More from Merriam-Webster on aldol

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!