pyroligneous

American  

[pahy-ruh-lig-nee-uhs] / ˌpaɪ rəˈlɪg ni əs /

Also pyrolignic

adjective

1. produced by the distillation of wood.

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pyroligneous British  

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈlɪɡnɪəs /

adjective

1. (of a substance) produced by the action of heat on wood, esp by destructive distillation

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Etymology

Origin of pyroligneous

First recorded in 1780–90; pyro- + ligneous

Example Sentences

Confectioners use pyroligneous acid instead of lemon-juice, and there is no objection to it in small quantities.

From Nelson's Home Comforts Thirteenth Edition by Hooper, Mary

Creosote, like carbolic acid, is a powerful antiseptic, and readily coagulates albuminous matter; wood-smoke and pyroligneous acid or wood-vinegar owe to its presence their efficacy in preserving animal and vegetable substances from putrefaction.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

The pyroligneous acid, applied in the same way to beef or mutton, gives the fine smoke flavour, and may be kept for a considerable length of time.

From The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Kitchiner, William

If a few applications of the pyroligneous wash, aided by the medicine, are not sufficient to remove the malady, then recourse must be had to the following:— Fir balsam, half a pint.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George

The pyroligneous acid seems likely to produce quite a revolution in the process of curing hams, herrings, &c. &c.

From The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Kitchiner, William