1 : cresol especially : a crude mixture of the three cresols. 2 : a mixture of phenols (as cresols and xylenols) obtained from coal tar or cracked petroleum oils.

What is cresylic acid used for?

It is a liquid from clear to brown and is toxic to animals including human. It is corrosive and is a more powerful disinfectant and antiseptic than phenol. The primary use is for sterilizing as disinfectants and deodorizers, and pesticides. Its solution is used as household cleaners as a disinfectant.

What does cresol mean?

cresol. / (ˈkriːsɒl) / noun. an aromatic compound derived from phenol, existing in three isomeric forms: found in coal tar and creosote and used in making synthetic resins and as an antiseptic and disinfectant; hydroxytoluene.