Chem.
a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble powder, ZnSO 4 ·7H 2 O, used for preserving skins and wood, in the electrodeposition of zinc, in the bleaching of paper, as a mordant in calico printing, and in medicine as an astringent, styptic, and emetic. Also called white vitriol, zinc vitriol .
[ 1850-55 ]