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

I have recommended the use of chalk and oil of vitriol as the cheapest, and, upon the whole, the best materials for this purpose.

From Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air by Priestley, Joseph

I put a quantity of strong concentrated oil of vitriol to acid air, but it was not at all affected by it in a day and a night.

From Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air by Priestley, Joseph

Take a pint of common tar, half an ounce of pearl-ashes, an ounce of oil of vitriol, and a good handful of common salt, mix them all well together in an old pan or pot.

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

To stain wood a fine black, drop a little oil of vitriol into a small quantity of water, rub it on the wood, and hold it to the fire.

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