oil of vitriol

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. sulfuric acid.

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oil of vitriol British  

noun

1. another name for sulphuric acid

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Etymology

Origin of oil of vitriol

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

“You carried oil of vitriol knocking about in a sack? It is infinitely dangerous, my boy.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

What is the antidote for aqua fortis and oil of vitriol?

From A Treatise on Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene (Revised Edition) by Cutter, Calvin

I said 'What a fine fellow you are to bespatter the whole world with this oil of vitriol!'

From Stories of Authors, British and American by Chubb, Edwin Watts

Ink spots can be removed by scouring them with sand, wet with water that has a few drops of oil of vitriol in it.

From The New England Cook Book, or Young Housekeeper's Guide Being a Collection of the Most Valuable Receipts; Embracing all the Various Branches of Cookery, and Written in a Minute and Methodical Manner by Anonymous

Sulphur is also used in the preparation of gunpowder and oil of vitriol, and in the manufacture of matches and cultivation of the vine.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 647, May 26, 1888 by Various