Chemistry . any of certain metallic sulfates of glassy appearance, as copper sulfate or blue vitriol, iron sulfate or green vitriol, zinc sulfate or white vitriol, etc.

oil of vitriol; sulfuric acid.

something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism.

to treat with or as with vitriol, esp. sulfuric acid.

noun

acrimoniousness , contempt , disdain , hatefulness , hostility , malevolence , maliciousness , nastiness , sarcasm , venom , virulence