# phenolphthalein

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌfiː.nɒlˈ(f)θa.liːn/

## Definitions
1. A white or yellowish-white crystalline compound C₂₀H₁₄O₄ used in medicine as a laxative and in analysis as an indicator because its solution is brilliant red in alkalies and is decolorized by acids.

## Etymology
From phenol + phthalein.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/phenolphthalein