pentaerythritol

[pen-tuh-i-rith-ri-tawl, -tol]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentaerythritol¹

First recorded in 1890–95; penta- + erythritol

Example Sentences

That includes bombs built with chemical triggers that avoid use of metallic components and powerful explosives such as PETN, or pentaerythritol tetranitrate, a white powder that can deliver a powerful blast.

From Wall Street Journal

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