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Definition of vitriolic

vitriolic

/ˌvɪt.riˈɑː.lɪk/
vit · ri · ol · ic
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vitriolic Lexical Profile

vitriolic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Filled with bitter criticism, harshness, or malice; scathing and caustic in tone or expression.

Example

"The columnist's vitriolic review of the play left the young director deeply discouraged."

2

Relating to, resembling, or derived from vitriol (sulfuric acid or its metallic sulfate salts).

Example

"Early alchemists carefully documented the corrosive properties of vitriolic solutions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for vitriolic

• Nearby Words

vitoria
vitoria da conquista
vitriol
vitriolic
vitória
vitória da conquista
viva

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'vitriol', an archaic chemical term for sulfuric acid and various metal sulfates, which comes via Old French from Medieval Latin 'vitriolum' ('glassy', from Latin 'vitrum' meaning 'glass') due to the translucent, glass-like appearance of sulfate crystals.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vitriolic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vitriolic
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