Main Entry:

vit·ri·ol

Pronunciation:

\ˈvi-trē-əl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous

Date:

14th century

1 a: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc) ; especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate b: oil of vitriol2: something felt to resemble vitriol especially in caustic quality ; especially : virulence of feeling or of speech

— vit·ri·ol·ic \ˌvi-trē-ˈä-lik\ adjective