vit·ri·ol·ic \|vi.trē|älik, -lēk, chiefly in substand speech və̇.ˈträ-\adjective Etymology:vitriol (I) + -ic 1.: of or relating to vitriol : derived from or resembling vitriol < a vitriolic liquid > 2.: marked by a caustic biting quality : virulent < a vitriolic denunciation >