Phe″nyl (?), n. [Gr. � to bring to light + -yl: cf. F. phényle. So called because it is a by-product of illuminating gas.] (Chem.) A hydrocarbon radical (C6H5) regarded as the essential residue of benzene, and the basis of an immense number of aromatic derivatives.
Phenyl hydrate(Chem.), phenol or carbolic acid. — Phenyl hydrazine(Chem.), a nitrogenous base (C6H5.N2H3) produced artificially as a colorless oil which unites with acids, ketones, etc., to form well-crystallized compounds.