ˈpikəˌlēn, -_lə̇n noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary pic- (from Latin pic-, pix pitch) + -ol + -ine — more at pitch
: any of three liquid pyridine bases CH 3 C 5 H 4 N that are monomethyl derivatives of pyridine, are found in coal tar, ammonia liquor, and bone oil, and are used chiefly as solvents and in organic synthesis:
a. : the flammable alpha derivative that has an odor resembling that of pyridine — called also 2-picoline
b. : the beta derivative that has a sweetish odor and is used in making nicotinic acid — called also 3-picoline
c. : the gamma derivative used in making isonicotinic acid — called also 4-picoline