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Glite Dictionary
pyroxylin

pyroxylin

9.9
A very flammable chemical made from plant fibers used to make early plastics, film, and shiny coatings
  • noun
  • /paɪˈrɒksɪlɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : piroxilina
  • Because of its volatility, regulations tightly controlled the storage of pyroxylin.

Examples

  • The film base was originally made from pyroxylin, which proved extremely flammable.

  • The scientist studied pyroxylin for its flammability.

  • Manufacturers used pyroxylin to produce early plastics and photographic films.

  • Many artists use pyroxylin in their work.

  • Pyroxylin is used in the production of various pyroxylin plastics due to its high flammability and versatility.

  • The artists preferred to use pyroxylin for their lacquer finishes because of its quick-drying properties.

  • Safety protocols are essential when working with pyroxylin, as it can ignite easily if not handled properly.

Synonyms

nitro
vspyroxylin
  • Archaic
4 8.6

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

is a specific form used for collodion plastics and current lacquers rather than broad types
nitrocellulose
vspyroxylin
  • Specialized
1 9.9

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

is a specific form used especially for collodion plastics rather than all uses
guncotton
vspyroxylin
  • Specialized
1 9.9

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

is used mainly for collodion plastics and lacquers rather than explosive use
pyroxyline
vspyroxylin
  • Specialized
9.9

A very flammable chemical used to make photographic film, plastics, and varnish

is an alternate spelling of the same term used in some sources
nitrocotton
vspyroxylin
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is mainly used for collodion and plastics rather than explosives
cellulose nitrate
vspyroxylin
  • Specialized
8.3

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

is the specific form employed for collodion and plastics rather than the general compound
pyrocellulose
vspyroxylin
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is chosen for collodion plastics and lacquers rather than propellant manufacture

Surface Forms

pyroxylin singular
pyroxylins plural

Morphology

pyroxylin = pyro + xyl + in

Although the word is built from classical combining forms, its meaning is not recoverable for an average learner from 'pyro-' plus 'xyl-' plus '-in'.

Etymology

Pyroxylin comes from Greek parts pyro- 'fire' and xylon 'wood', so it paints the image of 'fire-wood' and helps you picture something that burns easily. That's why pyroxylin is the name for a very flammable treated plant material made from cellulose and known as nitrocellulose, used in early plastics, films, and lacquers.