vitriol (ˈvɪtrɪˌɒl
)
Definitions
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
(tr)- to attack or injure with or as if with vitriol
- to treat with vitriol
Word Origin
C14: from Medieval Latin vitriolum, from Late Latin vitriolus glassy, from Latin vitrum glass, referring to the glossy appearance of the sulphatesUsage examples
But the extent of vitriol will prove astonishing, even to those who expected the worst.
, COLDHEART CANYON (2001)The supra-punk surliness has matured into a rock vitriol to upset any corporate stomach.
NME (New Musical Express) (2003)"I am really surprised at the vitriol of Cllr Gallagher", he says.
Irish Times (2002)She was brave to take on The Sun and its Page 3 girls, a private crusade that earned her public vitriol.
Times, Sunday Times (2001)Faraday's clear-cut reply informed Clark that the deposit that was damaging the boiler was copper sulphate, or blue vitriol.
, FARADAY: The Life (2002)