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

This is always cured by washing in blue vitriol.

From Soil Culture by J. H. Walden

Absorption from the mucous membrane is increased by opium, and Peruvian bark, internally; and by blue vitriol externally.

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Erasmus Darwin

There is no trace; of sweetness in the constituents of sugar of lead, or of blueness in the constituents of blue vitriol.

From Theism or Atheism The Great Alternative by Chapman Cohen

Blue: For three pounds goods, blue vitriol 4 ounces; boil few minutes, then dip goods three hours; then pass them through strong lime water.

From Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 by Barkham Burroughs

Some stuff made in Shoreditch of common blue vitriol and turpentine.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 98, May 17, 1890. by Various