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

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

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

"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 Finlay, Roger Thompson

This substance, called blue vitriol or bluestone, is obtained as a by-product in a number of processes and is produced in very large quantities.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

Sulphate of copper, commonly called blue vitriol, is occasionally used for disinfecting and cleansing stables, where it might inadvertently be mixed with the feed.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry