vitriol

noun

1. 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.
2. oil of vitriol; sulfuric acid.
3. 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.

4. to treat with or as with vitriol, especially sulfuric acid.

noun

1. another name for sulphuric acid
2. any one of a number of sulphate salts, such as ferrous sulphate (green vitriol), copper sulphate (blue vitriol), or zinc sulphate (white vitriol)
3. speech, writing, etc, displaying rancour, vituperation, or bitterness

verb -ols, -oling, -oled, -olling or -olled (tr)

4. to attack or injure with or as if with vitriol
5. to treat with vitriol

n.

late 14c., “sulphate of iron,” from Old French vitriol (13c.), from Medieval Latin vitriolum “vitriol,” from neuter of vitriolus, from Late Latin vitreolus “of glass,” from Latin vitreus “of glass, glassy,” from vitrium “glass” (see vitreous). So called from its glassy appearance in certain states. Meaning “bitter or caustic feelings” first attested 1769, in reference to the corrosive properties of vitriol (when heated it produces sulfuric acid, formerly called oil of vitriol).

n.

1. Any of various sulfates of metals, such as ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, or copper sulfate.
2. sulfuric acid

1. A former name for sulfuric acid.
2. Any of various sulfates of metals, such as ferrous sulfate (green vitriol), zinc sulfate, or copper sulfate (blue vitriol). See also blue vitriol.