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

If zinc and copper are used, the solution is made from water and blue vitriol.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.

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

This is always cured by washing in blue vitriol.

From Soil Culture by Walden, J. H.

While Pliny gives prominence to blue vitriol, his solution for colouring leather must have been the iron sulphate.

From De Re Metallica, Translated from the First Latin Edition of 1556 by Agricola, Georgius