oil of vitriol

noun

, Chemistry.

1. sulfuric acid.

oil of vitriol

noun

1. another name for sulphuric acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of oil of vitriol¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

“You carried oil of vitriol knocking about in a sack? It is infinitely dangerous, my boy.”

From Literature

Medieval alchemists called sulfuric acid “the oil of vitriol.”

From New York Times

A. The action of iron or zinc scraps on diluted oil of vitriol is among the best.

From Project Gutenberg

Ink spots can be removed by scouring them with sand, wet with water that has a few drops of oil of vitriol in it.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether we believe or not that a piece of clean iron immersed in a mixture of oil of vitriol and water, evolves hydrogen gas, the fact itself remains unaltered.

From Project Gutenberg