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pentaerythritol

[ pen-tuh-i-rith-ri-tawl, -tol ]

noun

, Chemistry.
  1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C 5 H 1 2 O 4 , used chiefly in the manufacture of alkyd resins, varnishes, plasticizers, and explosives.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of pentaerythritol1

First recorded in 1890–95; penta- + erythritol

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petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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pentadecagonpentaerythritol tetranitrate