Definition of vitriol
1 : something felt to resemble vitriol especially in caustic quality; especially : virulence of feeling or of speech
2a : a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc); especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfateb : oil of vitriol
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Examples of vitriol in a Sentence
His speech was full of political vitriol.
a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements
Origin and Etymology of vitriol
Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous
First Known Use: 14th century
VITRIOL Defined for English Language Learners
vitriol
playDefinition of vitriol for English Language Learners
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: harsh and angry words
Medical Dictionary
vitriol
playMedical Definition of vitriol
1: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vitriol Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vitriol
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