3 syllables: al, co, hols. Stress on al.
AL-kuh-hahlz
/ˈælkəˌhɑlz/
alcohols is pronounced AL-kuh-hahlz (/ˈælkəˌhɑlz/). It has three syllables (al-co-hols), with the stress on "al". Alcohols refers to a class of organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to carbon atoms. In chemistry, it denotes substances such as ethanol and methanol used as solvents, fuels, or reactants. The plural form indicates more than one alcohol molecule or a mixture of different alcohols.
Alcohols refers to a class of organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to carbon atoms. In chemistry, it denotes substances such as ethanol and methanol used as solvents, fuels, or reactants. The plural form indicates more than one alcohol molecule or a mixture of different alcohols.
"The lab mixed several alcohols to study their reactivity."
"Ethyl alcohols are common solvents in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics."
"Industrial processes often require alcohols with varying chain lengths."
Break it into three beats: /ˈæl.kəˌhɔlz/. First syllable stressed: AL. The second syllable is a quick schwa /kə/. The final is /hɔlz/ with an audible /ɔ/ followed by /lz/. In fast speech, you may hear the second syllable reduced more, but keep the final /lz/ crisp. For reference, listen to Forvo entry for 'alcohols' and practice with Cambridge/Oxford dictionaries' audio.
Two frequent errors: (1) misplacing stress, saying AL-CO- HOLS with the final /z/ too soft or merging /h/ into the vowel; (2) mispronouncing the /ɔ/ as /ɒ/ or /oʊ/. Correct by keeping /ɔ/ as a roundedback vowel in the final syllable and clearly articulating the /h/ before it. Practice with minimal pairs like 'alcohol' vs 'alcohols' to preserve plural -s as /z/ after the /lz/ cluster.
In US English, the final /lz/ tends to be pronounced with a stronger /lz/ cluster and a slightly reduced second syllable /kə/; in UK English, there can be a shorter /ɪ/ in the first syllable and a crisper final /l/; in Australian English, vowels may be broader with a slightly broader /ɔː/ quality and more flapped /ɾ/ influence before /l/? The core is three syllables with stress on the first; watch for rhotic vs non-rhotic tendencies affecting the /r/ sound (not present here).
The difficulty lies in the /l/ clusters and the final /lz/ sequence, which can blur in rapid speech. The /k/ + /ə/ + /h/ can be a stumble if you retract the tongue too early or leak voicing into the following /ɔ/. Practice by isolating each segment: /ˈæl/ + /kə/ + /hɔlz/ and slowly build speed, ensuring the /h/ is released before the /ɔ/ and the /l/ is clearly enunciated prior to /z/.
A unique aspect is the coordination of the two mid syllables with a light schwa and a strong final /lz/ cluster. The path from /k/ to /h/ requires careful timing; the /h/ should be lightly released, not swallowed, to keep the /ɔlz/ ending crisp. Focus on making the final consonant cluster audible in slower speech, then shrink the vowels slightly as you speed up.
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The word alcohol derives from the Arabic al-kuḥl (the kohl cosmetic) via the Latin alohol and French alcool, with the diminutive suffix -ol indicating a chemical alcohol. The term in chemistry became widespread in the 19th century as chemists recognized a common functional group—the hydroxyl group (-OH)—present in many compounds. The earliest references to alcohols as chemical entities date to alchemical and early modern chemistry, but the modern systematic use emerged when chemists categorized compounds by functional groups rather than by source or use. The concept of alcohols as derivatives of alcohols from alkanes (R-OH) evolved in the 1800s with the development of structural theory and the octane series. First known use in English in the 16th century, with the modern sense solidifying in the 19th century as laboratory nomenclature advanced. The term has since broadened to cover countless monohydric and polyhydric members, each defined by the presence of one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a saturated or unsaturated carbon skeleton.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "alcohols" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "alcohols" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "alcohols"
-ows sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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