Phe"nyl (?), n. [Gr. to bring to light + -yl: cf. F. ph'enyle. So called because it is a by-product of illuminating gas.] Chem.
A hydrocarbon radical (C6H5) regarded as the essential residue of benzene, and the basis of an immense number of aromatic derivatives.
Phenyl hydrate Chem., phenol or carbolic acid. -- Phenyl hydrazine Chem., a nitrogenous base (C6H5.N2H3) produced artificially as a colorless oil which unites with acids, ketones, etc., to form well-crystallized compounds.
© Webster 1913.