Indicator, Reagent, or Diagnostic Aid
phenolphthalein
phe·nol·phthal·ein [ fee-nawl-thal-een, -ee-in, -fthal-, -nol- ]
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Definitions related to phenolphthalein:
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An acid-base indicator which is colorless in acid solution, but turns pink to red as the solution becomes alkaline. It is used medicinally as a cathartic.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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An organic compound used as a laboratory reagent and pH indicator. Phenolphthalein exerts laxative effects by stimulating the intestinal mucosa and constricting smooth muscles. However, phenolphthalein is no longer used as a laxative due to the suspected carcinogenicity of this compound.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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