pentaerythritol

[ pen-tuh-i-rith-ri-tawl, -tol ]
/ ˌpɛn tə ɪˈrɪθ rɪˌtɔl, -ˌtɒl /

noun Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C5H12O4, used chiefly in the manufacture of alkyd resins, varnishes, plasticizers, and explosives.

Origin of pentaerythritol

First recorded in 1890–95; penta- + erythritol