geraniol

noun

ge·​ra·​ni·​ol jə-ˈrā-nē-ˌȯl How to pronounce geraniol (audio) -ˌōl How to pronounce geraniol (audio)
: a fragrant liquid unsaturated alcohol C10H18O used chiefly in perfumes and soap

Examples of geraniol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Finally, lip balms can contain different fragrances, such as geraniol and cinnamaldehyde, to hide the smell of chemicals. — Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024 In fact, research shows that other scent compounds like linalool (found in lavender and mint) and geraniol (rose and lemongrass) work much better at deterring mosquitoes. — Sharon Liao, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025 This motivated Boachon and his colleagues to figure out where roses get the GPP to make geraniol. — Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Popular Science, 3 May 2023 Made with essential oils such as geraniol and citronella, this collar is a safe and non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical treatments. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2023 Ingredients in Jean Nate body powder include talc, kaolin, fragrance, limonene, linalool, hydroxycitronellol, geraniol, citronellol and coumarin. — Atlanta Life, ajc, 18 July 2017 Specially developed with an exclusive blend of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, and geraniol essential oils, this gentle-yet-effective cleanser repels lice and super lice and nourishes your hair simultaneously. — Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin Geranium

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of geraniol was in 1871

Rhymes for geraniol

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Browse Nearby Words

geranic acid
geraniol
geranium
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Cite this Entry

“Geraniol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geraniol. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

geraniol

noun
ge·​ra·​ni·​ol jə-ˈrān-ē-ˌȯl How to pronounce geraniol (audio) -ˌōl How to pronounce geraniol (audio)
: a fragrant liquid unsaturated alcohol C10H18O that occurs both free and combined in many essential oils (as citronella oil) and is used chiefly in perfumes and in soap

More from Merriam-Webster on geraniol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about geraniol

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