Noun: vitriol 'vi-tree,ówl or vi-tree-ul
- Abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
"His vitriol against the government was both shocking and eloquent";
- vituperation, invective
- A highly corrosive acid made from sulphur dioxide (H₂SO₄); widely used in the chemical industry
"vitriol is used in the production of fertilizers and batteries"; "oil of vitriol is used in the production of fertilizers and batteries";
- oil of vitriol, sulfuric acid [N. Amer], sulphuric acid [Brit, Cdn]
Derived forms: vitriols
Type of: abuse, acid, contumely [archaic], insult, revilement, vilification
Encyclopedia: Vitriol