Definition

A type of alcohol that has more than two hydroxyl groups in its structure, which makes it different from regular alcohols.

Example

Glycerol is a common example of a polyalcohol used in food and cosmetics.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of polyalcohol?

Yeah, I think it's used in some food products, right?

Exactly! It's often used as a sweetener or thickener.

That's interesting! I never realized how common it is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polyalcohol is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "alcohol" (from Arabic *al-kuḥl*, meaning the kohl powder used for eyeliner, which evolved to refer to distilled substances). The word describes a compound that contains multiple alcohol groups.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') alcohol groups in a single compound when you hear 'polyalcohol'.

Visually Confused Words