A nitrogenous base, C5H5N, obtained from the distillation of bone oil or coal tar, and by the decomposition of certain alkaloids, as a colorless liquid with a peculiar pungent odor. It is the nucleus of a large number of organic substances, among which several vegetable alkaloids, as nicotine and certain of the ptomaïnes, may be mentioned. See Lutidine. [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

pyridine, n. Chem. a colourless volatile odorous liquid, formerly obtained from coal tar, used as a solvent and in chemical manufacture.

Usage

Chem. formula: C5H5N

Etymology

Gk pur fire + -ID(4) + -INE(4)

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