pyroxylin

[ pahy-rok-suh-lin, puh- ]

noun

1. a nitrocellulose compound containing fewer nitrate groups than guncotton, used in the manufacture of artificial silk, leather, oilcloth, etc.

pyroxylin

/ paɪˈrɒksɪlɪn /

noun

1. a yellow substance obtained by nitrating cellulose with a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids; guncotton: used to make collodion, plastics, lacquers, and adhesives

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyroxylin¹

1830–40; pyro- + xyl- ( def ) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyroxylin¹

C19: from pyro- + xyl ( o ) - + -in

Example Sentences

The silk referred to is made from a solution of that inflammable material of tremendous force known as gun-cotton, or pyroxylin.

From Project Gutenberg

The quality of collodion differs according to the proportions of alcohol and ether and the nature of the pyroxylin it contains.

From Project Gutenberg

Raw cotton is used in compounding gun cotton or explosive cotton, also named pyroxylin, and this is used to make collodion, so extensively employed in medicine.

From Project Gutenberg

It consists of ordinary cotton treated with nitric and sulphuric acid and water, and has been named by chemists "pyroxylin," "nitro-cellulose," &c.

From Project Gutenberg

These nitrates are variously known as nitrocellulose, pyroxylin, and gun cotton.

From Project Gutenberg