Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Sulphuric
Sul-phu′ric
,Adj.
[Cf. F.
sulfurique
.] 1.
Of or pertaining to sulphur;
as, a
. sulphuric
smell2.
(Chem.)
Derived from, or containing, sulphur; specifically, designating those compounds in which the element has a higher valence as contrasted with the sulphurous compounds;
as,
. sulphuric
acidSulphuric acid
. (a)
Sulphur trioxide (see under
Sulphur
); – formerly so called on the dualistic theory of salts. [Obs.]
(b)
A heavy, corrosive, oily liquid,
– H2SO4
, colorless when pure, but usually yellowish or brownish, produced by the combined action of sulphur dioxide, oxygen (from the air), steam, and nitric fumes. It attacks and dissolves many metals and other intractable substances, sets free most acids from their salts, and is used in the manufacture of hydrochloric and nitric acids, of soda, of bleaching powders, etc. It is also powerful dehydrating agent, having a strong affinity for water, and eating and corroding paper, wood, clothing, etc. It is thus used in the manufacture of ether, of imitation parchment, and of nitroglycerin. It is also used in etching iron, in removing iron scale from forgings, in petroleum refining, etc., and in general its manufacture is the most important and fundamental of all the chemical industries. Formerly called vitriolic acid
, and now popularly vitriol
, and oil of vitriol
. Fuming sulphuric acid
, or Nordhausen sulphuric acid
See
– Disulphuric acid
, under Disulphuric
. Sulphuric anhydride
, sulphur trioxide. See under
– Sulphur
. Sulphuric ether
, common anaesthetic ether; – so called because made by the catalytic action of sulphuric acid on alcohol. See
Ether
, 3 (a)
.Webster 1828 Edition
Sulphuric
SUL'PHURIC
,Adj.