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pyroligneous

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

adjective

  1. produced by the distillation of wood.


pyroligneous British  
/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈlɪɡnɪəs /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pyroligneous

First recorded in 1780–90; pyro- + ligneous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A small portion of pyroligneous acid may be added to the brine.

From Project Gutenberg

Wood is distilled partly for the sake of the pyroligneous acid and the tar, partly for the charcoal.

From Project Gutenberg

The ancient Peruvians appear to have injected and washed the corpses with a fluid that flows from imperfectly burned wood, in which pyroligneous acid, creosote, and other antiseptics are present.

From Project Gutenberg

Although it is clear that pure acetic acid is beyond the scope of an estate, crude pyroligneous acid has been produced on a varying scale in this country and in Ceylon.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg