pyrogallol

noun

py·​ro·​gal·​lol ˌpī-rō-ˈga-ˌlȯl 

-ˌlōl;

-ˈgȯ- 

: a poisonous bitter crystalline phenol C₆H₆O₃ with weak acid properties that is usually obtained by pyrolysis of gallic acid and used especially as a mild reducing agent (as in photographic developing)

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pyro- + gallic (acid) + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pyrogallol

noun

py·​ro·​gal·​lol -ˈgal-ˌȯl  -ˌōl; -ˈgȯ-ˌlȯl  -ˌlōl 

: a poisonous crystalline phenol C₆H₆O₃ formerly used as a topical antimicrobial (as in the treatment of psoriasis)