picric acid

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɪkrɪk/

noun

[mass noun] Chemistry
  • a bitter yellow compound obtained by nitrating phenol, used as a dye and in the manufacture of explosives.
    • Alternative name: 2,4,6-trinitrophenol; chemical formula: C6H2(NO2)3OH

Origin:

mid 19th century: picric from Greek pikros 'bitter' + -ic