picric acid

noun

pic·​ric acid ˈpi-krik- 

: a toxic yellow crystalline phenol derivative C₆H₃N₃O₇ structurally similar to TNT and used especially as a high explosive and as a dye or mordant

Examples of picric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

City officials have not released the names of the specific chemicals found within the residence, besides picric acid − which can be highly explosive − and TNT. —Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2023

The Mont-Blanc was packed full of TNT, picric acid, gun cotton and aircraft fuel. —Stephen Maher, chicagotribune.com, 21 Dec. 2017

Experiments with a compound called TNP (2,4,6-trinitrophenol, also known as picric acid), which researchers often use to study obesity and diabetes, show that in mice the therapy can promote the formation of new bone. —Giorgia Guglielmi, Science | AAAS, 8 Sep. 2017

Mustard gas, picric acid, and TNT—all organic molecules—made for unimaginably destructive weapons. —Rebecca Altman, The Atlantic, 4 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1838, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

picric acid

noun

pic·​ric acid ˌpik-rik- 

: a bitter toxic explosive yellow crystalline strong acid C₆H₃N₃O₇ used especially as a dye or biological stain, as an antiseptic, and as a precipitant for organic bases and polycyclic hydrocarbons

called also trinitrophenol