glycerol

noun

glyc·​er·​ol ˈgli-sə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio) -ˌrōl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C3H8O3 usually obtained by the saponification of fats

Examples of glycerol 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.
The yeast consumes the glycerol in the wine, contributing to a fino's special, very dry character. — Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 But leak tests using glycerol and water found that the menstrual cups held up with no damage, and that the material didn't degrade. — Jessica Rendall, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025 In a triglyceride, there are three fatty acids, each one connected to the same three-carbon glycerol molecule, which acts as the backbone of the molecule. — Rosemary Trout, Scientific American, 27 June 2026 In a triglyceride, there are three fatty acids, each one connected to the same three-carbon glycerol molecule, which acts as the backbone of the molecule. — Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for glycerol

Word History

Etymology

glycerin + -ol

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glycerol was in 1880

Rhymes for glycerol

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Browse Nearby Words

glycerize
glycerol
glycerolate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

glycerol

noun
glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
-ˌrōl
: a sweet colorless syrupy alcohol usually obtained from fats and oils

Medical Definition

glycerol

noun
glyc·​er·​ol ˈglis-ə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce glycerol (audio) -ˌrōl How to pronounce glycerol (audio)
: a sweet syrupy hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol C3H8O3 usually obtained by the saponification of fats and used especially as a solvent and plasticizer, as a moistening agent, emollient, and lubricant, and as an emulsifying agent

called also glycerin

More from Merriam-Webster on glycerol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glycerol

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