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The Learning Kingdom's Cool Word of the Day for July 28, 1999
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vitriolic [adj. vit-ree-OL-ik]
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In common use, this adjective applies to a person's manner. To be
vitriolic is to be bitterly critical, with strong emotion. Example:
"Phil was surprised by the intensity of Harry's vitriolic
accusations."
There is a more technical meaning of the word that led to its common
meaning. Vitriolic substances are sulfates like copper sulfate or
sulfuric acid, which is also known as oil of vitriol. Someone who is
being vitriolic is being emotionally caustic, like chemically caustic
sulfuric acid.
Why are sulfate chemicals called vitriols? Some of them can have a
glassy appearance in the crystalline form, so the Latin root vitrum
(glass) was modified to name them.
Here are more "glassy" words:
vitreous: glassy
vitrify: to make into glass, usually by melting and cooling
vitrescent: like glass, able to be vitrified
vitrine: glass paneled cabinet for displaying small items
Today's Cool Fact is about oil of vitriol:
http://www.cool-fact.com/archive/1999/07/28.html
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