Definition

Noun: 1. A colorless, flammable chemical compound: Isopropyl alcohol is a secondary alcohol with the chemical formula C₃H₈O. It is a clear, volatile liquid with a strong odor. 2. A common disinfectant and antiseptic: It is widely used to clean skin before injections and to disinfect surfaces and medical equipment. 3. A solvent and antifreeze agent: It is used in industrial and household applications to dissolve other substances and to lower the freezing point of water-based solutions.

Usage Examples

• As a disinfectant:
  • The nurse cleaned the patient's arm with isopropyl alcohol before giving the vaccination.
  • For first aid, apply isopropyl alcohol to the wound to prevent infection.
• As a solvent or cleaning agent:
  • Isopropyl alcohol is effective for removing adhesive residue from glass.
  • The technician used isopropyl alcohol to clean the electronic components.
• In a general context:
  • The laboratory keeps a large stock of isopropyl alcohol for various procedures.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: In chemistry and manufacturing, isopropyl alcohol is often referred to by its abbreviation, IPA. It is a key ingredient in many inks, resins, and cleaning products.
  • The purity of the IPA used in the semiconductor industry must be extremely high.
• Medical Context: It is a standard component in medical swabs and prep pads.
  • The doctor opened an alcohol prep pad containing 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Variants and Related Words

• Isopropanol (n): This is the systematic IUPAC name for the same chemical compound. The terms "isopropyl alcohol" and "isopropanol" are used interchangeably.
  • Isopropanol is another name for isopropyl alcohol.
• Rubbing alcohol (n): A common household product that is typically a solution of isopropyl alcohol (usually 70%) in water, sometimes with added denaturants or color.
  • Rubbing alcohol is often used for topical disinfection.

Synonyms

• Antiseptic alcohol: Highlights its germ-killing property.
• Surgical spirit (UK English): A term for a denatured alcohol solution used for sterilization, often containing isopropyl alcohol.
• 2-propanol: A synonym based on its chemical structure.

Related Phrases

• IPA solution: A phrase specifying a liquid mixture where isopropyl alcohol is the primary active ingredient.
  • The IPA solution was prepared at a 90% concentration for the experiment.
• Alcohol swab: A small pad pre-moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Use an alcohol swab to disinfect the area.

Notes on Meaning

• Core Meaning: The primary meaning refers to the specific chemical compound, C₃H₈O.
• Contextual Meaning: Its meaning is heavily dependent on context:
  • In a medical context, it implies a disinfectant.
  • In a technical context, it implies a solvent or reagent.
  • In a household context, it is often synonymous with "rubbing alcohol" used for cleaning.

Noun

1. alcohol used as antifreeze or a solvent