vitriol

American  

[vi-tree-uhl] / ˈvɪ tri əl /

noun

1. Chemistry. any of certain metallic sulfates of glassy appearance, as copper sulfate or blue vitriol, iron sulfate or green vitriol, zinc sulfate or white vitriol, etc.

2. oil of vitriol; sulfuric acid.

3. something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism.

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verb (used with object)

vitrioled, vitrioling, vitriolled, vitriolling

1. to treat with or as with vitriol, especially sulfuric acid.

vitriol British  

/ ˈvɪtrɪˌɒl /

noun

1. another name for sulphuric acid

2. any one of a number of sulphate salts, such as ferrous sulphate ( green vitriol ), copper sulphate ( blue vitriol ), or zinc sulphate ( white vitriol )

3. speech, writing, etc, displaying rancour, vituperation, or bitterness

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verb

1. to attack or injure with or as if with vitriol

2. to treat with vitriol

vitriol Scientific  

/ vĭt′rē-ōl′,-əl /

1. A former name for sulfuric acid.

2. Any of various sulfates of metals, such as ferrous sulfate (green vitriol), zinc sulfate, or copper sulfate (blue vitriol).

3. See also blue vitriol

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Etymology

Origin of vitriol

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin vitriolum, vitreolum, equivalent to Latin vitre(us) vitreous + -olum, neuter of -olus -ole ¹

Example Sentences

It still can be overwhelming if she looks at all the vitriol aimed her way online, she said, but “off the internet, it’s a completely different story.”

From Los Angeles Times

But he heaped particular vitriol on the three conservatives.

From The Wall Street Journal

With Levy gone, it appeared the easiest decision for Venkatesham would be to sack Frank given the increasing vitriol towards the head coach from fans.

From BBC

And this year, if the delicately reunited U.K. duo Oasis was to pull things together for 2026 and play the Super Bowl, it most certainly wouldn’t inspire the same kind of vitriol.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid the vitriol, a senior banker asked to be taken off the account.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• nastiness
• sarcasm
• venom