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Catch-22 vocabulary
3 outdated vocabulary words
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oil of vitriol
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tags: [dated]
► definition
Definition:(Chem.), strong sulphuric acid; -- so called from its oily consistency and from its forming the vitriols or sulphates.Noah Webster. Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)"
► uses
Uses:
if fire and brimstone rained from heaven in that climate, it is scientifically and chemically certain that the people were pelted with a shower of the oil of vitriol.
Kersey and Lydia Graves. The Bible of Bibles (1879)
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He heard himself promising to lie, to steal, to forge, to murder, to encourage drug-taking and prostitution, to disseminate venereal diseases, to throw vitriol in a child’s face.
George Orwell. 1984 (1949)
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sipping cautiously as though his glass contained vitriol, rather than the best Glenfiddich single malt whisky.
Diana Gabaldon. Outlander (1991)
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