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Glite Dictionary
pyrogallol

pyrogallol

9.9
A harmful white chemical used to treat some skin problems and to develop old photos
  • noun
  • /ˌpaɪrəˈɡæloʊl/
  • Specialized
: pirogallol
  • The photographer used pyrogallol as a developer for the black and white photographs.

Examples

  • In laboratory settings, pyrogallol is often incorporated into solutions for treating skin conditions.

  • Lately, I am developing black and white film with pyrogallol (PMK) like it was done many years ago, and I am very pleased with the results (photos this page).

    Academic text (2005)

  • When working with photographic materials, pyrogallol serves as a key component for achieving rich contrasts.

Synonyms

pyrogallic acid
vspyrogallol
  • Specialized
9.9

A white poisonous chemical used to treat some skin problems and develop photos

is the same substance but referred to by an alternative name

Surface Forms

pyrogallol singular
pyrogallols plural

Morphology

pyrogallol = gallol (opaque) = pyro + gallol

The word is historically formed with the chemical prefix pyro-, but the specialized chemical meaning is not guessable for an average learner from the base alone.

Etymology

Pyrogallol comes from two parts: pyro- 'fire' and gall 'a small hard growth on oak trees', because the chemical was made by heating a plant substance from those galls. So the name helps you remember it was made with heat and is a strong, active chemical used in old photography and some skin treatments, and it can irritate or harm the skin.