1 pyroligneous acid | Definition of pyroligneous acid

pyroligneous acid

noun
py·​ro·​lig·​ne·​ous acid | \ ˌpī-rō-ˈlig-nē-əs- How to pronounce pyroligneous acid (audio) \

Definition of pyroligneous acid

: an acid reddish-brown aqueous liquid containing chiefly acetic acid, methanol, wood oils, and tars that is obtained by destructive distillation of wood

First Known Use of pyroligneous acid

1788, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pyroligneous acid

French pyroligneux, from pyr- + ligneux woody, from Latin lignosus, from lignum wood — more at ligneous

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More from Merriam-Webster on pyroligneous acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyroligneous acid