Dictionary

hydroxyanisole en · NOUN

Etymology

Etymology tree Ancient Greek ὑδρο- (hudro-)lbor. French hydro- French -gène French hydrogènebor. English hydrogen Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ-der.? Ancient Greek ὀξύς (oxús) Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os Proto-Hellenic *génos Ancient Greek γένος (génos) French oxygènebor. English oxygen Ancient Greek ῡ̔́λη (hū́lē)der. Frenchder. English -yl blend English hydroxyl English hydroxy- English anisole English hydroxyanisole From hydroxy- + anisole.

Meanings

1. Any of three isomers of methoxyphenol, especially 4-methoxyphenol.
   • Although BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are avoided by some consumers because several studies have suggested they may be toxic or carcinogenic (they are banned in Britain), these antioxidants have also been shown to inhibit the action of cancer-causing chemicals, and BHT has been shown to suppress the growth of harmful viruses. 1985 May 1, Jane E. Brody, “PERSONAL HEALTH; HOW INNOVATIONS AFFECT SAFETY AND NUTRITION”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 28 Nov 2017:
   • The dyes portion of the West Virginia law will be enacted in schools beginning August 1. Then the dyes portion and the section on butylated hydroxyanisole and propylparaben will take effect statewide on January 1, 2028. 2025 March 29, Kristen Rogers, “Over half of US states are trying to eliminate food dyes. Here’s what you can do now”, in CNN, archived from the original on 21 Apr 2025:
   • In high school, I realized I needed more than just sugar to live, so every day I would buy and consume an entire bag of Goldfish (that elusive pizza flavor really is the best). Who needed multiple food groups? Artificial flavors? Count me in. Butylated hydroxyanisole? Yum! 2016 December 13, Aya Cash, “Aya Cash: The First Time I Ate a Vegetable (I Was 22)”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 08 Nov 2020:

Forms

Deriveds

butylated hydroxyanisole

Relateds

guaiacol