| English Dictionary |
VITRIOLIC
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| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does vitriolic mean?
• VITRIOLIC (adjective)
The adjective VITRIOLIC has 2 senses:
1. harsh or corrosive in tone
2. of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
Familiarity information: VITRIOLIC used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Harsh or corrosive in tone
Synonyms:
acerb; acerbic; acid; acrid; bitter; blistering; caustic; sulfurous; sulphurous; virulent; vitriolic
Context example:
a vitriolic critique
Similar:
unpleasant (offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness)
Derivation:
vitriol (abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
Synonyms:
caustic; corrosive; erosive; mordant; vitriolic
Similar:
destructive (causing destruction or much damage)
Derivation:
vitriol ((H2SO4) a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide; widely used in the chemical industry)
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