secondary alcohol

noun

: an alcohol that is characterized by the group >CHOH consisting of a carbon atom holding the hydroxyl group and one hydrogen atom and attached by its other two valences to other carbon atoms in a chain or ring and that can be oxidized to a ketone

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near secondary alcohol

Cite this Entry

“Secondary alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secondary%20alcohol. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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