copper sulfate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. blue vitriol.

copper sulfate

1. A crystalline salt that is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. In its anhydrous form it is white, and in its hydrous form it is blue. Copper sulfate is used in agriculture, textile dyeing, leather treatment, electroplating, and the manufacture of germicides. In its blue form it is also called blue vitriol. Chemical formula: CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of copper sulfate¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Sprinkle a little copper sulfate (bluestone) in the flame of a Bunsen burner.

From Project Gutenberg

Copper—Venus—was the basic metal, and Boyle started with vitriol or copper sulfate.

From Project Gutenberg

It consists of copper sulfate, which is commonly called blue vitriol or bluestone, fresh lime and water.

From Project Gutenberg

One gallon of water will hold in solution two pounds of copper sulfate.

From Project Gutenberg

As a general rule more "process" lime is required to neutralize the copper sulfate than good stone lime.

From Project Gutenberg