Definition of "pyridine" [pyr•i•dine]

• 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. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "And Professor See, the eminent French physician, believes that the pyridine is the relieving agent."
• "Moreover, from methyl-pyridine, C_ {5} H_ {4} N (CH_ {3}), would be derived an acid know as pyridine-carboxylic acid, C_ {5} H_ {4} N (COOH), just as benzoic acid,"
• "Relative to children of Non-escape drinkers, children whose mothers were Escape drinkers showed greater dislike for the odor of beer, even when beer was compared with unpleasant odors such as pyridine and cigarette smoke."