Definition

1. Noun:
   • A toxic, white, lustrous, crystalline phenol: A specific chemical compound with a shiny, white, crystalline appearance, belonging to the phenol family, and possessing poisonous properties.
   • Used to treat certain skin diseases and as a photographic developer: It has historical applications in medicine for skin conditions and in photography for developing images.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In the early 20th century, pyrogallic acid was sometimes applied as an antiseptic for skin ailments.
  • The darkroom chemist handled the container of pyrogallic acid with care due to its toxicity.
  • The formula for pyrogallic acid is C₆H₃(OH)₃.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical Context: In chemistry, "pyrogallic acid" is the common name for the compound 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene. It is a strong reducing agent.
  • Pyrogallic acid absorbs oxygen from air, making it useful in creating oxygen-free atmospheres in some laboratory setups.

Variants and Related Words

• Pyrogallol (n): This is the systematic chemical name for pyrogallic acid (1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene). The terms are often used interchangeably in chemistry.
  • The experiment required a solution of pyrogallol.

Synonyms

• 1,2,3-Trihydroxybenzene: The precise IUPAC chemical name.
• Pyrogallol: The systematic name used in scientific literature.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is strictly chemical. It refers to one specific substance with the defined properties of toxicity, appearance (white crystals), and historical uses. It is not a general term for any acid or developer.

Noun

1. a toxic white lustrous crystalline phenol used to treat certain skin diseases and as a photographic developer