phenylthiocarbamide

noun

phen·​yl·​thio·​car·​ba·​mide ˌfe-nᵊl-ˌthī-ō-ˈkär-bə-ˌmīd How to pronounce phenylthiocarbamide (audio)
ˌfē-
: a crystalline compound C7H8N2S that is extremely bitter or tasteless depending on the presence or absence of a single dominant gene in the taster

called also phenylthiourea, PTC

Examples of phenylthiocarbamide 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.
Cilantro isn’t the only thing that might taste a little weird to some people — genes also affect how people perceive the tastes of things like PTC — powdered phenylthiocarbamide, an inherently bitter substance — as well as milk and sweet or sugary foods. Guest, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenylthiocarbamide was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near phenylthiocarbamide

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

phenylthiocarbamide

noun
phen·​yl·​thio·​car·​ba·​mide ˌfen-ᵊl-ˌthī-ō-ˈkär-bə-ˌmīd How to pronounce phenylthiocarbamide (audio)
: a compound that is extremely bitter or tasteless depending on the presence or absence of a single dominant gene in the taster

called also PTC

Medical Definition

phenylthiocarbamide

noun
phen·​yl·​thio·​car·​ba·​mide ˌfen-ᵊl-ˌthī-ō-ˈkär-bə-ˌmīd How to pronounce phenylthiocarbamide (audio)
: a crystalline compound C7H8N2S that is extremely bitter or tasteless depending on the presence or absence of a single dominant gene in the taster

called also phenylthiourea, PTC

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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