Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical compound with a minty smell and taste: Menthol is a white, crystalline substance that occurs naturally in peppermint and other mint oils. It produces a cooling sensation and is widely used for its flavor and medicinal properties.
   • A medicinal or cosmetic ingredient: Menthol is used in products like balms, lotions, and inhalants to relieve minor pain, itching, and nasal congestion due to its cooling and soothing effects.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • This cough drop contains menthol to soothe your throat.
  • The strong smell of menthol from the ointment filled the room.
  • Peppermint oil is a natural source of menthol.

Advanced Usage

• "Mentholated" (Adjective): Describes a product that has had menthol added to it.
  • He prefers mentholated shaving cream for its refreshing feel.

Variants and Related Words

• Mentholated (adj): Impregnated or treated with menthol.
  • Mentholated tissues are popular during cold season.

Synonyms

• Cooling agent: A substance that produces a sensation of coolness.
• Mint camphor: An older, less common term for menthol, referring to its crystalline form and minty origin.

Different Meanings / Contexts

• Chemistry: Refers specifically to the organic compound (C₁₀H₂₀O), an alcohol derived from mint oils.
• Consumer Products: Refers to the additive used for its sensory properties in items like cigarettes ("menthol cigarettes"), candies, and topical analgesics.
• Medicine: Refers to the active ingredient used for its analgesic and decongestant effects in rubs and inhalers.

Noun

1. a lotion containing menthol which gives it the smell of mint
2. a crystalline compound that has the cool and minty taste and odor that occurs naturally in peppermint oil; used as a flavoring and in medicine to relieve itching, pain, and nasal congestion