glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈgli-sə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: 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

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

In rare cases, people have experienced allergic reactions to ingesting and applying glycerol. —Carley Millhone, Health, 8 Oct. 2024

It was also used in explosives, as one of the byproducts of whale oil soap is glycerol. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

glycerin + -ol

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl 

-ˌrōl

: a sweet colorless syrupy alcohol usually obtained from fats and oils

Medical Definition

glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: 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