Word Study
phenolphthalein
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun phenolphthalein has 1 sense
- phenolphthalein(n = noun.artifact) Array - a laxative used in many preparations under various trade names; also used as an acid-base indicator in titrations involving weak acids and strong bases because it is brilliant red at high alkalinity and colorless below pH 8; Array is a kind of laxative, acid-base indicator
CIDE DICTIONARY
phenolphthalein, n.
A white or yellowish white crystalline substance, C20H14O4 , formed by condensation of the anhydride of phthalic acid and phenol. Its solution in alkalies is brilliant red, but is decolorized by acids. This reaction, being very delicate, is used as an indicator. It is sometimes used as a laxative in veterinary medicine. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
phenolphthalein, n. Chem. a white crystalline solid used in solution as an acid-base indicator and medicinally as a laxative.
Etymology
PHENOL + phthal f. NAPHTHALENE + -IN
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