pyr·i·dine   Pronunciation Key  (pr-dn)
n.
A flammable, colorless or yellowish liquid base, C5H5N, having a penetrating odor and serving as the parent compound of many biologically important derivatives. It is used as a solvent and waterproofing agent and in the manufacture of various drugs and vitamins.

[pyr(o)- + -id(e) + -ine2.]

py·ridic (p-rdk) adj.

Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


pyridine

\Pyr"i*dine\, n. [From Gr. ? fire.] (Physiol. Chem.) 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 ptoma["i]nes, may be mentioned. See Lutidine.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.


pyridine

n : a toxic colorless flammable liquid organic base with a disagreeable odor; usually derived from coal
Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University