Word: White Vitriol
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: White vitriol is a colorless powder that dissolves easily in water. It is often used in various industrial processes, such as dyeing fabrics (as a mordant), preserving wood, and in the process of coating metals like zinc.
Usage Instructions: - White vitriol is mostly used in industrial or chemical contexts. It’s not a word you would use in everyday conversation unless you are discussing specific chemical processes or industries.
Example Sentence: "The artist used white vitriol as a mordant to help the dye adhere to the fabric."
Advanced Usage: In chemistry, white vitriol is also known as zinc sulfate. It can be used in agriculture as a fertilizer and in the textile industry as a dyeing agent.
Word Variants: - White vitriol is sometimes referred to by its chemical name, zinc sulfate. The term "vitriol" itself can refer to other sulfate compounds, but "white vitriol" specifically indicates zinc sulfate.
Different Meanings: - In general, "vitriol" can refer to any of several strong acids or their salts, particularly those that contain sulfur. However, when you see "white vitriol," it specifically means zinc sulfate.
Synonyms: - Zinc sulfate - Zinc vitriol
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "white vitriol," as it is a technical term.
Contextual Note: - You will mostly encounter white vitriol in scientific discussions, industrial applications, or when studying chemistry. It is not a common term in everyday English conversation.