1900, contracted from ethane, to which it is the corresponding alcohol, + -ol, here indicating alcohol.
ethanol in Medicine
ethanol eth·a·nol (ěth'ə-nôl', -nōl') n. See alcohol.
ethanol in Science
ethanol
(ěth'ə-nôl') An alcohol obtained from the fermentation of sugars and starches or by chemical synthesis. It is the intoxicating ingredient of alcoholic beverages, and is also used as a solvent, in explosives, and as an additive to or replacement for petroleum-based fuels. Also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol. Chemical formula:C2H6O.