Creosol

/ˈkriːəsɑl/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound derived from creosote, used as a disinfectant and preservative.

Etymology

From 'creosote' (a mixture of phenolic compounds from wood tar, from Greek 'kreos' meaning meat and 'soter' meaning savior—preserving meat) plus the chemical suffix -ol.

Kelly Says

Creosol was revolutionary in the 1800s for preserving railroad ties and preventing wood rot, but it also became famous as an antiseptic—though modern medicine has safer alternatives now!

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