pyrogallol

American  

[pahy-ruh-gal-awl, -ol, -guh-lawl, -lol] / ˌpaɪ rəˈgæl ɔl, -ɒl, -gəˈlɔl, -ˈlɒl /

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.

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pyrogallol British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• pyrogallic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pyrogallol

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pyrogallol

When ozone is bubbled through a dilute pyrogallol solution, the liquid glows brightly though no heat is evolved.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Contagious Abortion of Cows by MacNeal, Ward J.

A brown sepia is obtained by toning first with potassium permanganate, 1 per cent. of water, then, after washing, with a solution of pyrogallol.

From Photographic Reproduction Processes by Duchochois, Peter C.

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.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 4 "G" to "Gaskell, Elizabeth" by Various

Dr. Eder has for a considerable time directed especial attention to the soda and potash developers, either of which seems to offer certain advantages over the ammoniacal pyrogallol.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 415, December 15, 1883 by Various