\Pi"cric\, a. [Gr. ? bitter.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or designating, a strong organic acid (called
picric acid), intensely bitter.
Note: Picric acid is obtained by treating phenol with strong
      nitric acid, as a brilliant yellow crystalline
      substance, {C6H2(NO2)3.OH}. It is used in dyeing silk
      and wool, and also in the manufacture of explosives, as
      it is very unstable when heated. Called also
      {trinitrophenol}, and formerly {carbazotic acid}.