# glycol

/ˈɡɫaɪˌkoʊɫ/ (US) · /ɡlˈaɪkɒl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/glycol
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a chemical substance used to make plastics and other industrial materials. It is also used to keep things cool by absorbing heat.

For teachers: a chemical compound used as a precursor in the production of polyester and polyurethane. It functions as a coolant by absorbing latent heat during phase transitions.

## Examples

- The factory uses glycol to produce plastic bottles.
- Engineers added glycol to the cooling system to prevent the engine from overheating during the summer months.
- The chemical properties of glycol make it an essential component in the synthesis of synthetic fibers, where it reacts with dicarboxylic acids to form long polymer chains.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.