Hypertext Webster Gateway: "picric"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Picric \Pi"cric\, a. [Gr. ? bitter.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a strong organic acid (called
picric acid), intensely bitter.
Note: Picric acid is obtained by treating phenol with strong
nitric acid, as a brilliant yellow crystalline
substance, {C6H2(NO2)3.OH}. It is used in dyeing silk
and wool, and also in the manufacture of explosives, as
it is very unstable when heated. Called also
{trinitrophenol}, and formerly {carbazotic acid}.
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