Chem. [f. STYR-AX + -ONE.] An alcohol in crystalline form obtained from the decomposition of styracin; used as an antiseptic and a bleaching agent.
1852. W. Gregory, Handbk. Org. Chem. (ed. 3), 296. The hydrated oxide of styryle, called also styrone, exists in two forms, as an oil and in a crystalline form.
1883–4. Medical Ann., 6/1. Styrone … one of the most powerful antiseptics known.
1893. W. R. Dawson, trans. Schenk’s Man. Bacteriol., 224. Styrone, glycol, or equal parts of glycerine and ether are used as bleaching agents.
