Definition of "phenolic" [phenolic]

• Of, relating to, containing, or derived from phenol. (adjective)
• Any of various synthetic thermosetting resins, obtained by the reaction of phenols with simple aldehydes and used to make molded products and as coatings and adhesives. Also called phenolic resin. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Stuff called phenolic compounds are supposedly found in the skin of many vegetables, including eggplants and potatoes."
• "The phytonutrients in apples include chemicals called phenolic acids that defend the fruit against viruses, bacteria, and fungus."
• "That lack of so-called phenolic ripeness, versus sugar ripeness, was carmenere's unfortunate calling card."