menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

1

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils and has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint

2

menthols plural : mentholated cigarettes

Examples of menthol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bay leaves are often described as having eucalyptus, menthol, and pine notes. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has previously reported on the tobacco industry's menthol ads targeting Black communities. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2024

Tobacco-control advocates said the failure to finalize the federal menthol ban could harm efforts to curb smoking for years to come. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024

Apply menthol or calamine (for a cooling sensation). —Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, ultimately from Latin mentha mint

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl 

-ˌthōl

: a white soothing substance from oils of mint

Medical Definition

menthol

noun

men·​thol ˈmen-ˌthȯl  -ˌthōl 

: a crystalline alcohol C₁₀H₂₀O that occurs especially in mint oils, has the odor and cooling properties of peppermint, and is used in flavoring and in medicine (as locally to relieve pain, itching, and nasal congestion)