| a yellowish, acidic, water-soluble liquid, containing about 10 percent acetic acid, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood: used for smoking meats. |
| pyroligneous acid n. A reddish-brown wood distillate containing acetic acid, methyl alcohol, acetone, and a tarry residue. Also called wood vinegar. |
| wood vinegar n. See pyroligneous acid. |