carbolic acid (C6H5OH) /kärbol″ik/ [L, carbo, coal, acidus, sour] , a poisonous, colorless to pale pink crystalline compound obtained from coal tar distillation or oxidation of cumene, and converted to a clear liquid with a strong odor and burning taste by the addition of 10% water. In solution it is a powerful disinfectant. Also called hydroxybenzene, oxybenzene, phenic acid, phenol, phenylic acid, phenylic alcohol.
