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

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

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

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 Cohen, Chapman

For each pound of logwood, dissolve an ounce of blue vitriol in lukewarm water sufficient to wet the goods.

From The American Housewife Containing the Most Valuable and Original Receipts in all the Various Branches of Cookery; and Written in a Minute and Methodical Manner by Anonymous

For Blue wash, put four pounds of blue vitriol into an iron or brass pot, with a pound of the best whiting, and a gallon of water.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

A single grain of sulphate of copper, or blue vitriol, will communicate a fine azure tint to five gallons of water.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various