Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Picric \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}.