pentaerythritol

American  

[pen-tuh-i-rith-ri-tawl, -tol] / ˌpɛn tə ɪˈrɪθ rɪˌtɔl, -ˌtɒl /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C 5 H 1 2 O 4 , used chiefly in the manufacture of alkyd resins, varnishes, plasticizers, and explosives.

---

Etymology

Origin of pentaerythritol

First recorded in 1890–95; penta- + erythritol

Example Sentences

A preliminary analysis suggested a nitrate-based explosive, with traces of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, a plastic explosive, had been used in the attack.

From BusinessWeek

By early evening, emergency officials had contained the spill of PETN, or the powerful explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate, according to Karen Fox, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina State Ports Authority.

From New York Times