a. Chem. [f. CARB- + -OL, the ending of alcohol, benzol Carbo-hydrate + -IC.] In Carbolic acid, a substance more systematically called Phenol or Phenyl alcohol, C6 H5·OH, a secondary monatomic aromatic alcohol (consisting of benzol in which one atom of H is replaced by OH), found in the heavy coal oils, and elsewhere, forming, when pure, white deliquescent crystals, melting at 35° to an oily liquid, with penetrating odor and burning taste. It has powerful antiseptic qualities, and is much used as a disinfectant. Hence carbolic soap, etc.
c. 1865. Letheby, in Circ. Sc., I. 118/2. The acid of creosote, or carbolic acid.
1865. Ld. Bury, in Pall Mall Gaz., 6 Nov., 5/1. Cowsheds were carefully cleansed and washed with gas-tar, carbolic acid, and water.
1881. Lubbock, in Nature, 405. Some substance capable of killing the germs, without being itself too potent a caustic…. Dilute carbolic acid fulfilled these conditions.
1872. Black, Adv. Phaeton, I. 46 (Hoppe). My Lady, for example, doubted the efficacy of carbolic soap.
