1. A colorless crystalline organic compound found in coal tar and produced in the intestines during protein digestion; used in perfumes and pharmaceuticals.
Usage: chemistry; also spelled indole

Examples

• Indol is a key component in the synthesis of certain dyes and fragrances.
• The chemist isolated indol from the coal tar sample.
• Indol derivatives are used in the production of some medications.
• The presence of indol in the culture indicated bacterial activity.