blue vitriol

American  

noun

Chemistry, Mineralogy.

1. a salt, copper sulfate, CuSO 4 ⋅5H 2 O, occurring naturally as large transparent, deep-blue triclinic crystals, appearing in its anhydrous state as a white powder: used chiefly as a mordant, insecticide, fungicide, and in engraving.

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blue vitriol British  

noun

1. the fully hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulphate

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blue vitriol Scientific  

1. A blue, crystalline compound of copper sulfate. Blue vitriol is soluble in water, and is a very important industrial salt of copper. It is used in insecticides and germicides, in electrolytes for batteries, and in electroplating baths. Chemical formula: CuSO ₄ ·5H ₂ O.

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Etymology

Origin of blue vitriol

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blue vitriol

By placing crystals of blue vitriol in the battery jar, the solution of blue vitriol can be kept up to its full strength for a very long time.

From The Story of Great Inventions by Elmer Ellsworth Burns

"We can use this or take some of the copper ore, that is, the blue vitriol part of the ore, and by putting it in a lime-water solution a beautiful blue color can be obtained."

From The Wonder Island Boys: Exploring the Island by Roger Thompson Finlay

Another remedy is to use spirits of turpentine after scraping; and if the disease is of long standing, add to the turpentine a strong decoction of blue vitriol dissolved in water.

From Domestic Animals History and description of the horse, mule, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry and farm dogs; with directions for their management, breeding, crossing, rearing, feeding, and preparation for a profitable market; also their diseases and remedies. Together with full directions for the management of the dairy. by Richard L. Allen

I have sprayed after the blossom fell, with Paris green, London purple, and blue vitriol; don't know that I reduced the codling-moth any.

From The Apple by Various

The solution obtained as a by-product in this process furnishes most of the blue vitriol of commerce.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by William McPherson