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pyroxyline

pyroxyline

9.9
A very flammable chemical used to make photographic film, plastics, and varnish
  • noun
  • /ˌpaɪrəˈzɪlaɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : piroxilina
  • Early photographic films were coated with pyroxyline to create a sensitive surface for image capture.

Examples

  • The factory stored barrels of pyroxyline, which made fire safety measures especially important.

  • Collodion made from pyroxyline was commonly used in 19th-century medical dressings.

  • The laboratory used pyroxyline in their experiments.

  • Many artists prefer pyroxyline for its quick-drying properties.

  • Collodion made from pyroxyline was commonly used in 19th-century medical dressings.

  • Early photographic films were coated with pyroxyline to create a sensitive surface for image capture.

  • The factory stored barrels of pyroxyline, which made fire safety measures especially important.

Synonyms

nitro
vspyroxyline
  • Archaic
4 8.6

A very flammable material made from chemicals with nitrogen and oxygen used in old movie film

is a specific manufactured form used for collodion plastics and lacquers
nitrocellulose
vspyroxyline
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A very flammable chemical made from plant fiber used in old film, paint, and explosives

is a specific form used for collodion plastics and lacquers
guncotton
vspyroxyline
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A highly flammable material made from cotton and strong acid used in explosives and varnish

is used for collodion plastics and lacquers rather than mainly explosives
pyroxylin
vspyroxyline
  • Specialized
9.9

A very flammable chemical made from plant fibers used to make early plastics, film, and shiny coatings

is identical in meaning but spelled with a different ending
cellulose nitrate
vspyroxyline
  • Specialized
8.3

A very flammable material made from plant fibers and a strong acid, used in lacquers, early photographic film, and explosives

is used more narrowly as a specific form for collodion and lacquers
nitrocotton
vspyroxyline
  • Specialized
9.9

A strong, light material made from cotton treated with acid used in films and explosives

is used especially for collodion and plastics rather than explosive materials
pyrocellulose
vspyroxyline
  • Specialized
9.9

A chemical from plant material that burns easily and is used to make smokeless powder

is used for collodion plastics and lacquers rather than for smokeless powder

Surface Forms

pyroxyline singular
pyroxylines plural

Morphology

pyroxyline = pyro + xyl + ine

This is a learned classical formation from pyro- + xyl- + -ine, but the meaning 'nitrocellulose' is not recoverable for ordinary learners from the parts.

Etymology

The word pyroxyline comes from Greek parts pyro- meaning 'fire' and xylon meaning 'wood'. That image helps because pyroxyline is a very flammable treated form of cellulose, the substance found in wood and cotton, so the name is like 'fire-wood' and explains why it was used in collodion, plastics, and lacquers and why it needed careful storage.