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pyrogallol

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌpaɪrəˈɡælɒl//

KK: /ˈpaɪrəˌɡæləl/

noun
Definition

A toxic white crystalline substance used in photography and to treat some skin conditions.


Example

Pyrogallol is often used as a developer in black and white photography.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of pyrogallol?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's used in photography, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's a chemical that helps develop photos.
Sloth B
That's interesting! I didn't know it had other uses too.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
phenol
acid
developer
Antonyms
base
alkali
toxin
Root Explanation

Pyrogallol is formed from "pyro-" (from Greek 'pur', meaning fire) and "gallol" (derived from 'gall', referring to tannic acid or gall nuts). The term refers to a compound related to fire and gall, often used in chemical applications.

Memory Tip

Think of 'fire' ('pyro-') and 'gall' (from gall nuts) to remember that pyrogallol is a compound associated with these elements.

Visually Confused Words
styrogallol
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