phenyl noun. ['fi:nʌɪl, 'fɛnɪl] M19.
[French phényle, from Greek phaino- shining, phainein to show, phainesthai appear: see -YL. From its being first used in the names of compounds that were by-products of the manufacture of gas used for illumination.]
Chemistry. The cyclic radical C₆H₅ derived from benzene by the loss of one hydrogen atom. Usu. in comb.

Comb.:
phenylacetic adjective: phenylacetic acid, C₆H₅CH₂COOH, a crystalline acid used in making perfumes, flavourings, penicillin, etc.; phenylarsonic adjective: phenylarsonic acid, a crystalline solid, C₆H₅AsO(OH)₂, used as a trypanocide; phenylephrine Pharmacology a compound related to adrenalin used as a vasoconstrictor and nasal decongestant; phenylhydrazine a colourless liquid, C₆H₅NHNH₂, used as a reagent and in organic synthesis; phenylhydrazone any of a class of compounds formed by condensation of an aldehyde or ketone with phenylhydrazine; phenylmercury adjective & noun (designating) a compound containing a phenyl group bonded directly to a mercury atom; phenylpropanolamine Pharmacology a compound, C₉H₁₃NO, related to ephedrine and used as a decongestant; also called norephedrine; phenylpyruvate a salt of phenylpyruvic acid; phenylpyruvic adjective: phenylpyruvic acid, a crystalline solid, C₆H₅CH₂COCOOH, which occurs in the urine of a person with phenylketonuria; phenylthiocarbamide a crystalline solid, NH₂CSNHC₆H₅, which has a bitter taste to people possessing a certain dominant gene and is tasteless to those lacking it; phenylthiourea phenylthiocarbamide.

■ phenylate noun a phenoxide L19.

■ phenylic [fɪ'nɪlɪk] adjective:

■ phenylic acid, phenol M19.

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