phe·nol·phthal·ein (f  n l-th l n, -thl- n, -th ln, -thl-n)n. A white or pale yellow crystalline powder, C20H14O4, used as an acid-base indicator, in making dyes, and formerly in medicine as a laxative. Because of its toxicity, it is no longer used in over-the-counter laxatives. |
phenolphthalein [ˌfiːnɒlˈθeɪliːn -lɪɪn -ˈθæl-]
n
(Chemistry) a colourless crystalline compound used in medicine as a laxative and in chemistry as an indicator. Formula: C20H14O4
| phenolphthalein (fnl-thln) A white or pale-yellow, crystalline powder used as an indicator for acid and basic solutions. In solutions that are either neutral or basic, it is colorless, while it is pink or red in solutions that are alkali. It is also used as a laxative and in making dyes. Chemical formula: C20H14O4. |
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| Noun | 1. | phenolphthalein - a laxative used in many preparations under various trade names; also used as an acid-base indicator in titrations involving weak acids and strong bases because it is brilliant red at high alkalinity and colorless below pH 8 laxative - a mild cathartic acid-base indicator - an indicator that changes color on going from acidic to basic solutions |
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