PENTAERYTHRITOL Definition & Meaning

pentaerythritol

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Chemistry.

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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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of pentaerythritol¹

First recorded in 1890–95; penta- + erythritol

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That includes bombs built with chemical triggers that avoid use of metallic components and powerful explosives such as PETN, or pentaerythritol tetranitrate, a white powder that can deliver a powerful blast.

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A preliminary analysis suggested a nitrate-based explosive, with traces of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, a plastic explosive, had been used in the attack.

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By early evening, emergency officials had contained the spill of PETN, or the powerful explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate, according to Karen Fox, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina State Ports Authority.

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