glycol

noun

gly·​col ˈglī-ˌkȯl How to pronounce glycol (audio) -ˌkōl How to pronounce glycol (audio)
: diol
especially : ethylene glycol

Examples of glycol 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.
It was learned that a pipe had burst in January, leaking coolant glycol. — Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 4 Dec. 2025 Releasing the cold on demand The cooling side works through a separate glycol loop. — Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026 Soothing green tea leaf extract calms redness, while moisturizing butylene glycol leaves skin feeling dewier and smoother. — Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026 This concentrated treatment pairs barrier-supporting peptides with deep hydrators like glycerin, sorbitol, and butylene glycol to smooth roughness and revive skin that feels tight or depleted in winter. — Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glycol

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary glyc- + -ol

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glycol was in 1857

Phrases Containing glycol

Rhymes for glycol

See All Rhymes for glycol

Browse Nearby Words

glycohemoglobin
glycol
glycolic acid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

glycol

noun
gly·​col ˈglī-ˌkȯl How to pronounce glycol (audio) -ˌkōl How to pronounce glycol (audio)
: ethylene glycol
broadly : a related alcohol containing two hydroxyl groups

More from Merriam-Webster on glycol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glycol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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