picric
- adjective
- /ˈpɪkrɪk/
- Specialized
:
pícrico
- As an example, picric acid crystallizes and becomes explosive with age.
- picric acid
Examples
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During the experiment, we observed that the picric solution emitted a strong yellow hue.
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Safety regulations require proper storage for picric chemicals to prevent accidental detonation.
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The scientist demonstrated how the picric compounds can become hazardous if not handled correctly.
Compounds
- Specialized
A yellow poisonous chemical that can explode and is used in dyes and explosives
Surface Forms
Morphology
picric = picr + ic
The adjective is formed with the productive suffix '-ic', but the root 'picr-' is a technical combining form (not a standalone English word), so learners cannot derive the meaning from its components.
Etymology
Picric comes from the Greek root pikros 'bitter', because the chemical tasted bitter when it was first made. So, picric as an adjective now means 'containing picric acid', the yellow, bitter substance often linked to dyes and, in the past, explosives.
