picric acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “picric acid” mean?
A highly explosive, bitter, yellow crystalline compound, chemically 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, historically used as an explosive and dye, and as a fixative in biological staining.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly explosive, bitter, yellow crystalline compound, chemically 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, historically used as an explosive and dye, and as a fixative in biological staining.
A specific chemical compound with applications in chemistry, munitions (primarily historical), histology, and materials science. In contemporary contexts, its primary use is as a laboratory reagent and a cautionary example of a shock-sensitive explosive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical and historical connotations. May be referenced in historical accounts of World War I munitions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “picric acid” in a Sentence
[Picric acid] is/was used as a [noun: stain/explosive].The [noun: solution/crystals] contains picric acid.[Verb: Treat/Stain/Handle] with picric acid.Picric acid [verb: reacts/explodes/forms].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “picric acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The picric-acid solution must be stored under water.
- A picric-acid stain was applied to the tissue sample.
American English
- The picric acid solution must be stored under water.
- A picric acid stain was applied to the tissue sample.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in highly specialised chemical supply or hazardous materials compliance documents.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry, and histology textbooks and papers. Common in descriptions of laboratory safety due to its explosive nature when dry.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only encountered in historical documentaries or very specific non-fiction about WWI or explosives.
Technical
Primary context. Appears in chemical safety data sheets (SDS), laboratory manuals, protocols for biological staining (e.g., Bouin's fixative), and historical engineering texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “picric acid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “picric acid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “picric acid”
- Misspelling as 'pikric acid'.
- Using it as a general term for any yellow acid.
- Pronouncing 'picric' with a long 'i' (/paɪkrɪk/) instead of short (/pɪkrɪk/).
- Forgetting that it is a noun phrase and treating 'picric' as an adjective alone (e.g., 'a picric substance' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its use as a military explosive is largely historical (late 19th/early 20th century). It was replaced by more stable and powerful compounds like TNT. Its primary modern use is in laboratory settings.
Picric acid is highly shock-sensitive and friction-sensitive when dry. Its metal salts (picrates) are even more unstable and can form spontaneously in old samples stored in metal containers, creating an extreme explosion risk.
It forms bright yellow, odourless crystals. In solution, it is a yellow liquid. The colour is a distinctive identifying feature.
No. 'Picric' comes from the Greek 'pikros' meaning 'bitter', but the term is a fixed chemical name. You should use the established scientific term in your language (e.g., 'ácido pícrico' in Spanish, 'ピクリン酸' in Japanese).
A highly explosive, bitter, yellow crystalline compound, chemically 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, historically used as an explosive and dye, and as a fixative in biological staining.
Picric acid is usually technical / scientific in register.
Picric acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɪk.rɪk ˈæs.ɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk.rɪk ˈæs.ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a PICKle that's so sour (acidic) it's CRYing (cry -> cric) yellow tears because it might explode. PICk + CRY + ACID.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IN DISGUISE / A SLEEPING DRAGON (A bright yellow, crystalline substance that appears innocuous but is inherently unstable and dangerous.)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is picric acid still commonly used as a reagent today?