First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
vitriol
noun vit·ri·ol \ˈvi-trē-əl\
: harsh and angry words
Full Definition of VITRIOL
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
See vitriol defined for English-language learners
See vitriol defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin 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
Related to VITRIOL
Medical Dictionary
vitriol
noun vit·ri·ol \ˈvi-trē-əl\
Medical Definition of VITRIOL
1
: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)
Learn More About VITRIOL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: vitriolatedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: vitriniteAll Words Near: vitriol
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up vitriol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).