blue vitriol
noun Chemistry, Mineralogy.
a salt, copper sulfate, CuSO4⋅5H2O, 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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Origin of blue vitriol
First recorded in 1760–70
Words nearby blue vitriol
bluetongue, blue-tongued lizard, Bluetooth, blue vein, blue velvet, blue vitriol, blue-water, blueweed, blue whale, blue whistler, blue-winged teal
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for blue vitriol
blue vitriol
noun
the fully hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulphate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for blue vitriol
blue vitriol
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: CuSO4·5H2O.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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