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Definition of: phenolphthalein
(fē′nōl·thal′ēn, fē′nolf·thal′·ē·in) noun
A whitish or yellowish-white crystalline compound, C20H14O4, obtained by treating phenol with phthalic anhydride. Because its brilliant red alkaline solutions are readily decolorized by acid, it is valuable as an indicator in acid-base titrations: used also in medicine as a laxative.
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