vitriol
pronunciation
How to pronounce vitriol in British English:
UK [ˈvɪtriɒl]
How to pronounce vitriol in American English:
US [ˈvɪtriɑl]
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- Noun:
- (H2SO4) a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide; widely used in the chemical industry
- abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
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- Verb:
- expose to the effects of vitriol or injure with vitriol
- subject to bitter verbal abuse
Word Origin
- vitriol (n.)
- late 14c., "sulphate of iron," from Old French vitriol (13c.), from Medieval Latin vitriolum "vitriol," noun use of neuter of vitriolus, variant of Late Latin vitreolus "of glass," from Latin vitreus "of glass, glassy," from vitrum "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).
Example
- 1. The concern remains that the seething vitriol now brewing in the dark corners of the web may eventually translate from mere words into meaningful acts of violence and retribution .
- 2. Instead , the water 's vitriol , or copper sulfate , would cause iron atoms on the surface of a submerged iron rod to leach into the water , leaving pores that were quickly occupied by copper atoms from the spring .
- 3. Dip an iron bar into the cerulean waters of the vitriol springs of modern-day slovakia , for example , and the artifact will emerge agleam with copper , as though the dull , dark particles of the original had been elementally reinvented .