vitriol
[ vi-tree-uh l ]
/ ˈvɪ tri əl /
noun
Chemistry.
any of certain metallic sulfates of glassy appearance, as copper sulfate or blue vitriol, iron sulfate or green vitriol, zinc sulfate or white vitriol, etc.
oil of vitriol; sulfuric acid.
something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism.
verb (used with object), vit·ri·oled, vit·ri·ol·ing or (especially British) vit·ri·olled, vit·ri·ol·ling.
to treat with or as with vitriol, especially sulfuric acid.
Words nearby vitriol
vitrics,
vitrification,
vitriform,
vitrify,
vitrine,
vitriol,
vitriolic,
vitriolize,
vitrum,
vitruvian scroll,
vitruvius pollio
Example sentences from the Web for vitriol
British Dictionary definitions for vitriol
vitriol
/ (ˈvɪtrɪˌɒl) /
noun
another name for sulphuric acid
any one of a number of sulphate salts, such as ferrous sulphate (green vitriol), copper sulphate (blue vitriol), or zinc sulphate (white vitriol)
speech, writing, etc, displaying rancour, vituperation, or bitterness
verb -ols, -oling, -oled, -olling or -olled (tr)
to attack or injure with or as if with vitriol
to treat with vitriol
Word Origin for vitriol
C14: from Medieval Latin
vitriolum, from Late Latin
vitriolus glassy, from Latin
vitrum glass, referring to the glossy appearance of the sulphates
Medical definitions for vitriol
vitriol
[ vĭt′rē-ōl′, -əl ]
n.
Any of various sulfates of metals, such as ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, or copper sulfate.
sulfuric acid
Scientific definitions for vitriol
vitriol
[ vĭt′rē-ōl′, -əl ]
A former name for sulfuric acid.
Any of various sulfates of metals, such as ferrous sulfate (green vitriol), zinc sulfate, or copper sulfate (blue vitriol). See also blue vitriol.