pyrrole

noun pyr·role \ ˈpir-ˌōl \

Updated on: 18 Mar 2018

Definition of pyrrole

: a toxic liquid heterocyclic compound C₄H₅N that has a ring consisting of four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom, polymerizes readily in air, and is the parent compound of many biologically important substances (such as bile pigments, porphyrins, and chlorophyll); broadly : a derivative of pyrrole

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pyrrolic

play \pi-ˈrō-lik\ adjective

Recent Examples of pyrrole from the Web

Researchers were able to contest the authenticity of the works by proving pigments used in the paintings, like the lightfast pyrrole red, PR 254, had not even been discovered until after Pollock’s death in 1956.

— jackie mansky, Smithsonian, "Peek into the Colorful History of the World’s Largest Pigment Collection," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pyrrole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pyrrole

Greek pyrrhos

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1835

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

pyrrole

noun pyr·role \ ˈpi(ə)r-ˌōl \

medical Definition of pyrrole

: a toxic liquid heterocyclic compound C₄H₅N that has a ring consisting of four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom, polymerizes readily in air, and is the parent compound of many biologically important substances (as bile pigments, porphyrins, and chlorophyll); broadly : a derivative of pyrrole

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