skatole

noun

ska·​tole ˈska-ˌtōl How to pronounce skatole (audio) ˈskā- How to pronounce skatole (audio)
variants or less commonly skatol
ˈska-ˌtȯl How to pronounce skatole (audio)
-ˌtōl, 
ˈskā-
: a foul-smelling compound C9H9N found in the intestines and feces, in civet, and in several plants or made synthetically and used in perfumes as a fixative

Examples of skatole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The constantly present base notes are the short-chain straight and branched acids, cresol and other phenolics, and skatole. — Harold McGee, Wired, 6 Nov. 2020

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek skat-, skōr excrement — more at scatology

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skatole was in 1879

Rhymes for skatole

See All Rhymes for skatole

Browse Nearby Words

skating rink
skatole
skatology
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skatole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skatole. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

skatole

noun
ska·​tole ˈskat-ˌōl How to pronounce skatole (audio) ˈskāt- How to pronounce skatole (audio)
variants also skatol
-ˌȯl How to pronounce skatole (audio) -ˌōl How to pronounce skatole (audio)
: a foul-smelling compound C9H9N found in the intestines and feces, in civet, and in several plants or made synthetically and used in perfumes as a fixative

More from Merriam-Webster on skatole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skatole

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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