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urushiol

noun
uru·​shi·​ol | \ yu̇-ˈrü-shē-ˌȯl How to pronounce urushiol (audio) , u̇-ˈrü-, -ˌōl\

Definition of urushiol

: a mixture of catechol derivatives with saturated or unsaturated side chains of 15 or 17 carbon atoms that is an oily toxic irritant substance present in poison ivy and some related plants (such as poison oak and poison sumac)

Examples of urushiol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 All parts of the plant contain an oily chemical called urushiol that, in most people, causes a severe allergic reaction on contact. — Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, "How to remove poison ivy from your yard safely," 28 June 2017 Remember that urushiol can cling to surfaces and be transferred to skin. — Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, "How to remove poison ivy from your yard safely," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urushiol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of urushiol

1908, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for urushiol

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Japanese urushi lacquer + International Scientific Vocabulary -ol entry 1

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More Definitions for urushiol

urushiol

noun
uru·​shi·​ol | \ (y)u̇-ˈrü-shē-ˌȯl How to pronounce urushiol (audio) , -ˌōl How to pronounce urushiol (audio) \

Medical Definition of urushiol

: a mixture of pyrocatechol derivatives with saturated or unsaturated side chains of 15 or 17 carbon atoms that is an oily toxic irritant principle present in poison ivy and some related plants of the genus Rhus

More from Merriam-Webster on urushiol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about urushiol

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