picric acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a yellow, crystalline, water-soluble, intensely bitter, poisonous acid, C 6 H 3 N 3 O 7 , used chiefly in explosives.

picric acid

/ ˈpɪkrɪk /

noun

1. See lyddite
   a toxic sparingly soluble crystalline yellow acid used as a dye, antiseptic, and explosive. Formula: C 6 H 2 OH(NO 2 ) 3 Systematic name2,4,6-trinitrophenol See also lyddite

picric acid

/ pĭk′rĭk /

1. A poisonous, yellow crystalline solid used in explosives, dyes, and antiseptics. Chemical formula: C 6 H 3 N 3 O 7 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of picric acid¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

To a little of this filtrate in a test tube add the same volume of a saturated aqueous solution of picric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

If the filtrate is perfectly clear gelatin is absent and picric acid may be added without producing any noticeable effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Treat with two lots picric acid, saturated aqueous solution.

From Project Gutenberg

It has displaced picric acid owing to its superiority, physically and chemically, over that substance.

From Project Gutenberg

Crsylite is a French explosive, and contains picric acid and nitrated cresol.

From Project Gutenberg