pyrogallol

[pahy-ruh-gal-awl, -ol, -guh-lawl, -lol]

noun

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous, solid, phenolic compound, C 6 H 3 (OH) 3 , obtained by heating gallic acid and water: used chiefly as a developer in photography, as a mordant for wool, in dyeing, and in medicine in the treatment of certain skin conditions.

pyrogallol

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈɡælɒl /

noun

1. a white lustrous crystalline soluble phenol with weakly acidic properties; 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene: used as a photographic developer and for absorbing oxygen. Formula: C 6 H 3 (OH) 3

Other Word Forms

• pyrogallic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrogallol¹

First recorded in 1875–80; pyro- + gall(ic) ² + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrogallol¹

C20: from _pyro- + _gall ( _ic )² + _-ol ¹

Example Sentences

Gallic acid is a type of pyrogallol and is primarily found in coffees and teas.

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The one called the pyrogallol group, which includes sumac, gall nuts and oak bark, is commended by the Committee of the Society of Arts.

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An alkaline solution of pyrogallol is also used; this solution rapidly absorbs oxygen, becoming black in colour, and it is necessary to prepare the solution immediately before use.

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The pyrogallol method of Preisz also proved to be unreliable in his hands.

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The tannins are divided into two general classes, known respectively as the pyrogallol tannins and the catechol tannins.

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