oil of vitriol

English

Etymology

So called from its oily consistency and from its forming the "vitriols" or sulfates. This term was coined by the 8th-century alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan, the chemical's probable discoverer.

Noun

oil of vitriol (uncountable)

1. (inorganic chemistry, dated) Sulfuric acid.

Synonyms

• vitriol

Translations

alternative name for "sulphuric acid"

• Finnish: vihtrilliöljy