How Do You Spell PICRIC?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪkɹɪk] (IPA)

The word "Picric" is spelled as [ˈpɪk.rɪk] in IPA phonetic transcription. It is derived from the chemical compound "picric acid" (trinitrophenol) which has a bright yellow color and an explosive nature. The first syllable "pic" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the stress is on the second syllable "ric". The spelling of this word may lead to confusion as the "i" is pronounced differently in the two syllables, but the IPA transcription accurately represents the correct pronunciation.

PICRIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Picric is an adjective used to describe a compound known as picric acid, or 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, which is an organic compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. It is a yellow crystalline substance that was originally used as an explosive material due to its high sensitivity and explosive power. However, its use as an explosive in its pure form has declined due to its sensitivity to shock and friction.

    Picric acid is highly acidic and has a bitter taste, hence the name "picric" which is derived from the Greek word "pikros" meaning "bitter". It is primarily used nowadays in various industries as a yellow dye and as a reagent in the field of organic chemistry.

    Although picric acid is stable in its dry form, it can form unstable salts when in contact with certain metals or metal oxides. These salts are highly sensitive and pose a risk of explosion. Therefore, precautions are necessary when handling picric acid or its salts.

    In medicine, picric acid has been used topically as an antiseptic and astringent due to its antimicrobial properties. However, its use for medical purposes has decreased due to the development of more effective and safer alternatives.

    Overall, picric is an adjective that pertains to picric acid, a yellow, highly acidic compound known for its explosive properties and use in dyeing and organic chemistry, among other industrial applications.

  2. Bitter; applied to an acid which is intensely bitter, and used extensively in adulterating beer and in dyeing; another name for carbazotic acid.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PICRIC

Etymology of PICRIC

The word "picric" is derived from the French term "picrique", which in turn comes from the Greek word "pikros", meaning "bitter". This term refers to the bitter taste of picric acid, a yellow, crystalline substance discovered in the 19th century. Picric acid was initially obtained from natural sources, such as the extract of the plant known as "Toxicodendron pubescens", commonly known as "yellow wood", "poison ivy", or "poison oak". Later, it was synthesized in laboratories and extensively used in explosives, dyes, and medicines. Therefore, "picric" ultimately stems from its original description of its taste and chemical properties.

Similar spelling words for PICRIC

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