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 vitriol
2 : 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