pyrogallol

noun

py·​ro·​gal·​lol ˌpī-rō-ˈga-ˌlȯl How to pronounce pyrogallol (audio)
-ˌlōl;
-ˈgȯ- How to pronounce pyrogallol (audio)
: a poisonous bitter crystalline phenol C6H6O3 with weak acid properties that is usually obtained by pyrolysis of gallic acid and used especially as a mild reducing agent (as in photographic developing)

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pyro- + gallic (acid) + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrogallol was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near pyrogallol

pyrogallate

pyrogallol

pyrogen

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pyrogallol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrogallol. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

pyrogallol

noun
py·​ro·​gal·​lol -ˈgal-ˌȯl How to pronounce pyrogallol (audio) -ˌōl; -ˈgȯ-ˌlȯl How to pronounce pyrogallol (audio) -ˌlōl How to pronounce pyrogallol (audio)
: a poisonous crystalline phenol C6H6O3 formerly used as a topical antimicrobial (as in the treatment of psoriasis)

More from Merriam-Webster on pyrogallol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyrogallol

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