menthol
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //ˈmɛnθɔɫ// UK //mˈɛnθɒl// men·thol
n. a substance that comes from mint plants and gives a cool, fresh feeling when you touch it. You often find it in cough drops, toothpaste, and some types of cigarettes.
n. a cyclic monoterpene ketone derived from mint oils, characterized by a cooling and numbing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Often used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics for its analgesic and decongestant properties.
The menthol in the cough drops helps clear my throat.
Many people prefer menthol cigarettes because the cooling effect makes the smoke feel less harsh on their throat.
The cooling sensation of menthol is actually a chemical irritation of the cold-sensitive nerve endings, which the brain interprets as a drop in temperature.
From Latin mentha (“mint”) + -ol.