ETYM From Greek pyros fire.
A toxic colorless flammable liquid organic base with a disagreeable odor; usually derived from coal.
Nitrogenous base used as antiseptic, etc.
C5H5N a heterocyclic compound (see cyclic compounds). It is a liquid with a sickly smell and occurs in coal tar. It is soluble in water, acts as a strong base, and is used as a solvent, mainly in the manufacture of plastics.