Definition

Noun: 1. A colorless, water-soluble chemical compound: Specifically, this term refers to zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O), a crystalline powder used in various industrial and commercial applications.

Usage and Examples

• As a mordant in dyeing: It is used to fix dyes onto fabrics.
  • The dyer used white vitriol to ensure the color would not fade from the cloth.
• As a wood preservative: It helps protect wood from decay and insects.
  • The fence posts were treated with a solution containing white vitriol.
• In electrodeposition: It serves as a source of zinc ions for electroplating.
  • The bath for zinc electroplating contained dissolved white vitriol.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Technical Term: "White vitriol" is an older, common name used in industrial, historical, and some technical contexts. In modern scientific contexts, the compound is more precisely called zinc sulfate.
  • The old chemistry manual listed the ingredient as white vitriol, which we now know as zinc sulfate.

Variants and Related Words

• Zinc sulfate (n.): The modern, systematic chemical name for the compound.
• Vitriol (n.): A historical term for various sulfate salts. "White vitriol" is one specific type, distinguished from others like "blue vitriol" (copper sulfate) or "green vitriol" (iron(II) sulfate).

Synonyms

• Zinc sulphate
• Zinc sulfate heptahydrate

Notes on Meaning

• Specificity: The term "white vitriol" is unambiguous and refers specifically to zinc sulfate. It is not a general term for any white powder.
• Context: Its use is largely confined to historical texts, traditional industrial processes, or as a descriptive common name.

Noun

1. a colorless water-soluble powder; used as a mordant or to preserve wood or for the electrodeposition of zinc