vitriol etymology

Etymology:

The word "vitriol" comes from the Latin word "vitreolum," which means "glassy substance." This term was originally used to describe copper sulfate, which forms blue crystals that resemble glass.

Meaning:

In its original sense, vitriol refers to a specific chemical compound: copper sulfate. However, the term has come to be used more broadly to refer to:

• A corrosive substance: Vitriol is often used to describe any substance that is highly acidic or caustic and can cause severe skin burns or eye damage.
• Bitterness or harshness: Figuratively, vitriol can refer to language or behavior that is extremely hostile, critical, or insulting.

Origin:

The Latin word "vitreolum" is thought to have originated from the Arabic word "zujaj," which also means "glass." The word entered English in the 14th century and has been used ever since to refer to corrosive substances.

vitriol relate terms

• vitreous

  Etymology Vitreous originates from the Latin word vitreus meaning made of glass o

• vitriolic

  Etymology The word vitriolic comes from the Latin word vitriolum which referred to

• vitriol

  Etymology The word vitriol comes from the Latin word vitreolum which means glassy

• vituperation

  Etymology Latin vituperatio abusive language blame From vituperare to abuse Fro

• invective

  Etymology The word invective comes from the Latin word invehi which means to carry

• assault

  Etymology Assault is derived from the Old French assault meaning an attack which

• acid

  Etymology The word acid comes from the Latin word acidus meaning sour This word i

• abuse

  Etymology The word abuse derives from the Latin word abusus which is made up of the

• round

  Etymology Origin of the Word The word round comes from the Old English word rund w

• subject

  Etymology The word subject derives from the Late Latin subjectus meaning placed und

• spine

  Etymology The English word spine originates from the Old English word spina which i