Definition

Noun: A highly flammable substance, specifically nitrocellulose, used in the manufacture of collodion, certain plastics, and lacquers. It is a form of cellulose nitrate.

Usage and Examples

Noun: - The old film stock was made from pyroxyline, making it a serious fire hazard. - Artists in the 19th century used a solution of pyroxyline in ether and alcohol, known as collodion, for photographic processes. - The factory handles pyroxyline with extreme caution due to its explosive nature.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Historical Context: The term is primarily used in historical, industrial, or technical contexts related to early plastics, film, and coatings. Its use in common language is rare.
• As a Material Precursor: It is often discussed as the base material for products like celluloid, one of the first synthetic plastics.

Variants and Related Words

• Nitrocellulose (n): The more common technical name for the same chemical compound.
• Celluloid (n): A plastic made from nitrocellulose (pyroxyline) and camphor, historically used for film and various goods.
• Guncotton (n): A highly nitrated form of cellulose nitrate, used as an explosive.

Synonyms

• Nitrocellulose
• Cellulose nitrate

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, specific technical meaning. It does not have different common meanings or idiomatic uses. It refers exclusively to the chemical compound.

Noun

1. highly flammable nitrocellulose used in making collodion and plastics and lacquers