Any of three isomeric organic compounds—chemical formula C7H8O—derived from coal tar and wood tar, used primarily as a disinfectant. It is also occasionally used in screen printing to improve the adhesion of a stencil by causing the screen fibers to become sticky and swollen. Cresol is not used often, due to its tendency to weaken the screen fabric, and its toxicity. Cresol is also known as methyl phenol.
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