pyridine

pyr·i·dine  (pr-dn)

n.

A flammable, colorless or yellowish liquid base, C₅H₅N, having a penetrating odor and serving as the parent compound of many biologically important derivatives. It is used as a solvent and waterproofing agent and in the manufacture of various drugs and vitamins.

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[pyr(o)- + -id(e) + -ine.]

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py·ridic (p-rdk) adj.

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pyridine  (pr-dn)

1. Any of a class of organic compounds containing a six-member ring in which one of the carbon atoms has been replaced by a nitrogen atom. Pyridines include compounds used as water repellents, herbicides, and various drugs. The pyridine ring structure is also part of many larger compounds, including niacin and nicotine.

2. The simplest of these compounds, a flammable, colorless or yellowish liquid base having a penetrating odor. It is used as a solvent and waterproofing agent and in the manufacture of various drugs and vitamins. Chemical formula: C₅H₅N.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

pyridine - a toxic colorless flammable liquid organic base with a disagreeable odor; usually derived from coal alkali, base - any of various water-soluble compounds capable of turning litmus blue and reacting with an acid to form a salt and water; "bases include oxides and hydroxides of metals and ammonia" triphosphopyridine - a pyridine ring with three phosphorus groups